
Health and social care staff across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (STW) are committed to ensuring that people living with dementia in our communities, along with their families and unpaid carers, receive timely, personalised support that meets their individual needs.
As part of this commitment, we have launched the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Dementia Vision. This model is designed to empower people living with dementia, their families and unpaid carers to live life to the fullest, in a way that works best for them.
Implementing the vision will bring a number of changes to existing services for people living with dementia. This will include:
- Raising dementia awareness in General Practices by encouraging them to become ‘Dementia Aware’.
- Faster assessments following initial patient referrals.
- A Dementia Admiral Nurse service available across the county.
- Appointment of Dementia Link Workers, who will help deliver the Living Well Plan by facilitating peer support groups for people living with dementia and carers, and providing up-to-date information on local services.
- Living Well Plans will be used throughout the individual’s journey and form part of regular reviews.
- A meaningful annual review in General Practice, covering both clinical and social aspects,
to ensure a holistic approach to care. - Enhanced support for carers of those living with dementia.
The STW Dementia Vision brings together all local health and social care partners, including Primary Care Network teams, to work in a more coordinated, joined-up way. This includes closer collaboration between the NHS and care homes, ensuring residents receive the care and support they need.
The vision is not so much a pathway but a variety of services and support that people affected by dementia can access as and when they need them.
Every dementia journey is unique. People may experience change gradually, in steps, or even improve for a time. That’s why services must be adaptable, so individuals and their carers can receive the right support, at the right time.
Click on the following headings to find out more about the different services available
As part of our newly co-produced dementia model, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is supporting GP practices to become more ‘dementia aware’. As part of this work, George Rook, Chair of the Dementia Steering Group and someone living with dementia, shares his experience and offers helpful tips. You can watch this in the video linked at the bottom of this page.
This service is provided by the Alzheimer’s Society. Each person living with dementia (PLWD) will be supported by a dedicated link worker who will:
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Help connect them to local community groups and services, so they can continue to live the life they choose and maintain their wellbeing.
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Support and encourage them to make their own decisions, about what they want to do, where they meet, how their groups are run and how they stay connected.
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Offer carers practical information about dementia, share helpful strategies, build confidence and create space for support and learning through 'Talking about Dementia' sessions.
Dementia Link Workers work closely with Admiral Nurses and the Dementia Assessment and Support Service to help people living with dementia stay connected to their communities. They can link you with local groups, services and activities that offer support and enjoyment.
Dementia Link Workers can help by:
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Bringing people with dementia together through local primary care networks.
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Supporting those who have attended Cognitive Stimulation sessions to keep meeting as informal peer groups.
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Helping groups find suitable venues and reminding you about meeting dates.
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Setting up simple ways to stay in touch, such as WhatsApp groups.
Our Dementia Multidisciplinary Team is currently in development, with plans underway to ensure a fully integrated and comprehensive service. More information will be available soon.
The Admiral Nurse Service is provided by Shropshire Community Health Trust (SCHT). This service is delivered by mental health nurses specialised in dementia care, working collaboratively with health and social care professionals and voluntary sector organisations to improve the experiences of those living with dementia and their carers.
The Dementia Assessment and Support Service (DASS) element of the Dementia Vision pathway is a specialist service providing assessment and support for people who present with a possible onset of dementia or a diagnosis of dementia. DASS works with other agencies throughout the county and is responsible for the initial assessment, diagnosis, treatment, post diagnostic support/follow up, interventions and person-centred support and signposting to external services.
If you have dementia, you can create a Living Plan, to help you and your support network make the most of life.
A Living Plan will document your preferences, such as:
- What you enjoy
- What really matters to you
So that you can:
- Live your life as you want to
- Do the things that you want to do
To request a Living Plan, please speak to the Dementia Assessment and Support Service or your Dementia Link Worker.
Respite or replacement care gives unpaid and family carers a break while someone else looks after the person they care for. There are several options available, depending on your needs and preferences.
Examples of respite care include:
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A volunteer spending a few hours with the person you care for.
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A short stay in a care home.
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Attending a local day centre.
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A paid care worker visiting the home to provide support.
To arrange respite or replacement care, the first step is for the person being cared for to have a care needs assessment.
For more information and help getting started, contact your local council or Carers Centre:
For Shropshire:
First Point of Contact – for information and to book a care needs assessment – 0345 678 9044
Shropshire Carer Support – for information and support – 01743 341995.
For Telford and Wrekin:
Telford and Wrekin All Age Carers Centre – Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm – 01952 240209
Support for Carers in Shropshire
Our Carer Support Practitioners are here to help you explore the best options for your caring role. They offer personalised support to make sure you’re not alone on your journey.
Here’s how we can help:
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One-to-one support – We’ll work with you to understand your needs and, if needed, refer you to other organisations for the right support.
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A listening ear – Call our support line for someone to talk to, help you find a way forward, or simply to feel heard - 01743 341995
(Open Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri: 9am–5pm, Tues: 9am–7.30pm, Sat: 9.30am–12pm) -
Tailored information and advice – Get guidance that’s specific to your situation.
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Regular check-in calls – We'll stay in touch to see how you're doing.
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Support with planning ahead – Helping you access the right information at the right time.
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Peer support groups – Join others in similar situations, either online or in person.
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Updates on events and activities – Opportunities to learn new skills and meet others.
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Carer Register – Sign up to receive important updates quickly. You’ll also get a Carer ID/emergency card and an emergency plan to fill out.
Contact us on 01743 341995, email: Shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Hospital Carer Support is available where a practitioner will support you while your cared for person is in a hospital setting. Providing discharge support, information, emotional support, signposting, face-to-face meetings and assessments. For more information, please contact Michele Lee on 01743 256879 or email Hospitalcarers@shropshire.gov.uk
Support for Carers in Telford and Wrekin
The Carers Centre’s support workers are here to help family carers improve their quality of life and feel more confident in their caring role. Support is tailored to meet your needs, depending on your situation, challenges, and level of care you provide.
How the Carers Centre can support you:
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Offer a listening ear when you need someone to talk to – by phone or face-to-face.
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Help you access local support and services available to carers.
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Create opportunities for you to share your voice in shaping future services.
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Assist you in applying for financial support or grants.
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Provide up-to-date information relevant to your caring role.
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Run local support groups across Telford and Wrekin – a chance to connect, share experiences, take a break, and talk with others who understand.
Contact the Telford and Wrekin All Age Carers Centre:
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Call: 01952 240209
- NHS - Dementia Guide
- Alzheimer’s Society - publications
- Dementia UK - Young onset dementia information
- Dementia Together magazine
- Alzheimer's Society - Find support near you
- Dementia Action Alliance
- Living with Dementia Toolkit
- Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin
- Shropshire Libraries - services for people living with memory loss
- PALZ UK
- Dementia Carers Count
- Dementia UK
Local resident George Rook, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia over ten years ago, discusses what it’s like living with dementia.

This page is being updated so please check back for further resources and information.