Nottingham City Council has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS) to launch a new Dementia Hub at the Winwood Heights retirement living community in Sherwood, creating a vital local resource for people living with dementia and those who support them.
The new hub aims to provide a welcoming and accessible space where residents affected by dementia can receive emotional, practical and social support throughout every stage of their journey. It will also offer valuable guidance for carers, family members and friends, helping them navigate the challenges that often accompany a dementia diagnosis.
Located at Winwood Heights, one of Nottingham City Council’s flagship retirement living communities, the hub will serve both residents and the wider community. The development comprises Winchester Court and Woodthorpe Court, alongside Winwood Court, which connects the two residential towers.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to ensure people affected by dementia can access support early, helping them maintain independence and quality of life while reducing the likelihood of reaching crisis situations.
Cllr Helen Kalsi, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Social Care and Public Health said:
“Nottingham City Council is proud to work in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society to give people the support they need in their neighbourhood as they navigate their lives with dementia.
“Early advice and support in this way enables people to continue living independently for as long as possible, and gives reassurance to their families and loved ones.”
The hubs offer information on local services, future planning, health and wellbeing, and practical advice designed to support individuals and families coping with dementia-related challenges.
The launch also highlights the growing role that retirement living communities can play as community assets, extending support beyond their residents and into surrounding neighbourhoods.
Cllr Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said:
“Our retirement living communities are designed to be accessible and welcoming places for older people, and many incorporate Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) design principles,
“We’re really pleased to be opening Winwood up to the wider community so that anyone who could benefit from the support can come along.”
The Alzheimer’s Society believes having local, easy-to-access support services can make a significant difference to people affected by dementia, especially in the period immediately following diagnosis when advice and reassurance are often most needed.
Anshu Shearing from the Alzheimer’s Society, added:
“A dementia diagnosis can bring lots of questions and uncertainty, not just for the person living with dementia but for their family, friends and carers too. Having a friendly, local place where people can come along, talk to someone and get practical advice can make a real difference.
“We’re delighted to be working with Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System to bring a Dementia Hub to Winwood Heights. We hope it will become a welcoming place where people feel comfortable asking questions, finding support and connecting with others who understand what they’re going through.”
As demand for dementia services continues to rise across the UK, initiatives such as the Winwood Heights Dementia Hub demonstrate how local authorities, healthcare partners and charities can work together to provide community-based support that improves outcomes for residents and their families.
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