Southwark Council has agreed to reopen a long-standing dementia advice service and to protect a popular youth mental health project after mounting concern from local families and campaigners.
Services reinstated after executive meeting
The council confirmed on 20 July that the borough’s Dementia Advisor service, which has been operating in Southwark for more than two decades, will re-open in September after having closed on 30 June. The decision was announced at the first executive meeting of the new Green-Lib Dem joint administration, which took control of the authority following May’s elections.
Also saved from closure was The Nest, a Peckham-based mental health and wellbeing project for young people that campaigners and users said has supported thousands over the years. The service had faced the prospect of shutting in November amid funding pressures but has now been protected.
Carer’s plea helped focus attention
At the meeting, a local carer identified as Judith spoke about the practical impact of losing local dementia support. She described becoming the sole carer for her husband following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in November 2022 and detailed the difficulty of finding timely, practical local help.
"All I can say is thank you for agreeing to continue with the Dementia Advisors because they are so, so important."
Her testimony underlined concerns from families who say hospital leaflets and internet searches do not replace the direct, practical support provided by specialist advisers.
What was decided
- Dementia Advisor service: closed 30 June, set to reopen in September.
- The Nest, Peckham: funding protected; closure averted after earlier risk of shutdown.
- Announcements made at executive meeting on 20 July by the new council administration.
The reversal is likely to be welcomed by carers and those working in community health and social care. Local campaigners had warned that losing the Dementia Advisor service would leave families without a single, borough-focused point of contact for practical advice and navigation of health and social support.
| Service | Previous status | New position |
|---|---|---|
| Dementia Advisor service | Closed 30 June | Reopening in September |
| The Nest (Peckham) | At risk of closure | Protected for the future |
Council members listening to families stressed the wider impact of dementia on households and the importance of community support. Local residents and voluntary groups will expect clarity in the coming weeks on how services will be staffed and funded as they restart or continue.
For carers seeking advice now, it is advisable to check the council’s website or contact local voluntary organisations that support older people and those living with dementia for interim guidance while the service prepares to reopen.
