St John’s Dementia Support is a community service which employs Admiral Nurses and Dementia Support Workers. The team provides support to those who are affected by dementia, including the families and carers and those living with dementia.
Support for people living with Dementia
A dementia diagnosis affects more than memory. It can impact confidence, independence, relationships and wellbeing, creating uncertainty for the person diagnosed and those closest to them.
At St John’s Winchester, we believe no one should face that journey alone.
We support people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends and carers, helping them navigate challenges, access specialist advice and remain connected to their community. Through our Admiral Nurses, Dementia Support team and Memory Wellbeing Centre, we provide practical guidance, emotional support and opportunities to build confidence, independence and connection.
Every person’s experience of dementia is different. That’s why our support is tailored to individual circumstances, helping people find solutions that work for them and those around them.
“Advice and reassurance in navigating a completely unknown challenge.”
Carer of someone living with dementia
How we can help
Our team can provide:
- Specialist dementia advice and guidance
- Emotional support for individuals and carers
- Help understanding a diagnosis and planning ahead
- Practical strategies for day-to-day challenges
- Information about local services and support networks
- Advice on maintaining independence and wellbeing
- Support during periods of change or crisis
Support may be offered through home visits, appointments, telephone conversations or group sessions, depending on individual needs.
Our service provides
A person-centred assessment to find the best way to support the overall health and well-being of the person being cared for and the family and carer
Specialist knowledge and expertise for those living with dementia, their families and carers
Support for families to gain knowledge and understanding about dementia and what they and their loved one might expect
Help for families and carers to plan for the future care and support needs of the person living with dementia
Support for families and carers to develop a range of skills and coping strategies
Support to enable families and carers to access advice and information about dementia and the range of services available to help them and the person living with dementia to live well
Support for families and carers to identify and understand their own needs whilst balancing the needs of the person they care for
Specialist support from Admiral Nurses
Our Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide expert support to families facing the challenges of dementia. Their knowledge, compassion and practical advice help people feel informed, supported and better equipped to cope with changing circumstances.
“The caring, understanding support and knowing you were no longer alone.”
Carer of someone living with dementia
Our Admiral Nurses work directly with families through home visits or appointments in a suitable venue. Our team offers telephone calls and video consultations for those who are unable to come to appointments or have home visits, due to their personal health needs or local restrictions.
We lead, influence and advise on the delivery of person-centred and relationship-centred care and working alongside other health and social care professionals.
The service is available to those who are registered at one of the three GP Practices in central Winchester, St Clements, Friarsgate and St Paul’s.
Working alongside Everyone Active, we have expanded the service into the wider Winchester community and developed a Memory Wellbeing Centre to support carers and those living with dementia.
Our Admiral Nurses work directly with families through home visits or appointments in a suitable venue. Our team offers telephone calls and video consultations for those who are unable to come to appointments or have home visits, due to their personal health needs or local restrictions.
We lead, influence and advise on the delivery of person-centred and relationship-centred care and working alongside other health and social care professionals.
The service is available to those who are registered at one of the three GP Practices in central Winchester, St Clements, Friarsgate and St Paul’s.
Working alongside Everyone Active, we have expanded the service into the wider Winchester community and developed a Memory Wellbeing Centre to support carers and those living with dementia.
Register Your Interest
If you would like to find out more or to register your interest, please fill out our self referral form. Please note that once we have received your self referral form, we will require you to fill out a in-depth detailed referral form so we can find out more information and the support required. If you are a professional, please download, fill out, and return this form to us at: Dementia Support, St John’s Winchester, 32 St John’s South, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9LN.
You can download a copy of the self referral form, save on your computer, fill in and email back to us, and we will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within two weeks.
You can also download a PDF copy, complete and send it to us. Please address it to: Dementia Support, St John’s Winchester, 32 St John’s South, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9LN.
You can also phone us on 01962 858 282 for an informal chat or email us at dementiasupport@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
Please note that the St John’s Dementia Support service is not a registered Care Quality Commission (CQC) service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is St John’s Dementia Support?
St John’s Dementia Support is a service which supports those living with dementia, their families and carers to live well with dementia, whilst supporting them to access the advice and information about services that are available. Our Admiral Nurses work closely with families and carers and the person living with dementia, providing a lifeline when times may become difficult or challenging and practical solutions.
Who manages the service?
St John’s Dementia Support is managed by St John’s Winchester who employs the team. The team is made up of two Admiral Nurses and a Dementia Support Worker (Community).
We are working in partnership with Dementia UK who provide support and clinical guidance for our two Admiral Nurses.
Can the Dementia Support team provide personal care?
The service is not a Home Care service registered to provide ongoing, long-term care and support. However, the team can support families and carers with advice and support about how to safely care for someone living with dementia, and how best to manage the symptoms and treatment of dementia.
Who are Dementia UK?
Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nurse charity. For more information on Dementia UK, please visit their website.
Are the Admiral Nurses Registered Nurses (RGN)?
St John’s Admiral Nurses are qualified nurses with a professional specialism in dementia.
If the Admiral Nurses are registered Nurses, can they do the same as a District Nurse?
An Admiral Nurse does not provide nursing care in the same way as a District Nurse or an NHS Nurse. The Admiral Nurses work closely with other health and social care services and professionals, sharing best practice and using their expertise knowledge experience to best meet the needs of families and carers and those they care for to avoid a crisis.
Who is this service for?
St John’s Dementia Support is for any family member, carer or person living with dementia who is over the age of 55 and living within the Winchester District and surrounding areas.
What if I am under the age of 55 or the person I look after is under the age of 55?
Only one of you needs to be over the age of 55 to be eligible. However, if you are both under the age of 55 and you are caring for someone with early onset dementia, the team can support you to access the correct service and support by signposting you to other suitable providers. You can also call the Admiral Nurse free Helpline on 0800 888 6678.
How much does the Dementia Support service cost?
St John’s Dementia Support is free at the point of contact. There is no charge for the service.
How can I access the service?
If you would like to make a referral, please complete the enquiry form on our website. Please note that once we have received your enquiry form, we will require you to fill out a detailed referral form so we can find out more information and the support required. If you would like to talk to the team directly to discuss the service and what support you may need, you can call us on 01962 858 282 or alternatively, please email dementiasupport@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
You can also download a copy of the enquiry form, complete and send it to us. Please address it to: Dementia Support, St John’s Winchester, 32 St John’s South, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9LN.
What are your operating hours?
Our operating hours of service are Monday – Thursday, 08:30-16:30 (excluding Bank Holidays). The service will try to be flexible to meet the needs of carers, including the provision of early morning or evening visits, where agreed in advance.
What if I need help at night or in an emergency?
St John’s Dementia Support is not an emergency service. For all emergencies, please contact 111 or for out of hours support, you can call The Admiral Nurse Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678.
How long will the Dementia Support team be there for me?
St John’s Dementia Support works with families and carers for as long as the service is needed. The team complete an assessment agreeing what support you need and what you want to achieve. This is different for everyone and is outlined in your person-centred wellbeing or care plan. The team will cease the support when you, the carer or the person living with dementia no longer wants or needs the service. This outcome can be due to many reasons and may be because we have met the assessed outcomes which we agreed in your plan, and it is therefore no longer a role for an Admiral Nurse or a Support Officer. If the service is ceased but you find in the future you require support again, you can re-refer into the service and the team will contact you again.
Memory Wellbeing Centre
Alongside one-to-one support, we run our weekly Memory Wellbeing Centre, providing a welcoming space where people living with dementia, carers, families and friends can come together.
The sessions offer opportunities to socialise, enjoy activities, access advice and build connections with others who understand the realities of living with dementia.
Many people tell us that the friendships, encouragement and sense of belonging they find at the Centre are just as important as the professional support available.
Activities vary from week to week and may include guest speakers, games, table tennis, creative activities and opportunities to simply enjoy a chat over a cup of tea.
“Meeting people who understand exactly what you are dealing with.”
Carer of someone living with dementia
Memory Wellbeing Centre
Established in October 2022, our Dementia Support service has already provided life-changing support to more than 110 dementia-affected individuals and their loved ones.
Running as part of our Dementia Support service, our memory wellbeing sessions are held every Monday (excluding Bank Holidays) between 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Winchester Sport & Leisure Park. They are facilitated by our Admiral Nurses and Dementia Support Worker, and are supported by volunteers.
Our Dementia Support team is there to provide information, advice and support, alongside facilitating a range of games and social activities for members and carers to take part in. We also provide tea, coffee and biscuits for people to enjoy.
Our sessions are free to attend and are available to support those who are living with dementia and their carers.
There is free parking at the leisure centre and there is also a free Park & Ride bus that goes from The Broadway, Winchester to the leisure centre.
A community of support
Dementia can be isolating. Having the right support at the right time can make a profound difference.
For many families, our service provides more than information and advice. It offers reassurance, connection and the confidence that someone is there when they need help most.
“An absolute lifesaver and lifeline. I could not have managed my husband at home for as long as I did without their professional help, support, care and kindness.”
Carer of someone living with dementia
Need support?
We're here to help.
Whether you are living with dementia, caring for a loved one, or looking for advice following a diagnosis, our team is here to listen and support you. Get in touch to find out more about our Dementia Support service and Memory Wellbeing Centre, or to speak to a member of the team about how we can help.
Call: 01962 858 282
Email: dementiasupport@stjohnswinchester.co.uk
No question is too small. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help you take the next step.
“We’re proud to continue our strong partnership with St John’s Winchester through the delivery of the weekly Memory Wellbeing sessions at Winchester Sport & Leisure Park.
Together, we are committed to creating inclusive opportunities that support people living with dementia and their support networks to become more physically active and socially connected. Regular physical activity can play an important role in improving overall wellbeing for people living with dementia, helping to support mobility, confidence, mood, and social interaction.
We are proud to be part of this important initiative and to play a role in enhancing health, wellbeing, and community connection for those affected by dementia”
Rebecca Woodford, Health Activity & Wellbeing Manager, Winchester Sports and Leisure Park
“It’s fantastic to work in partnership with St John’s Winchester to establish a dementia carers support group at Winchester Sport & Leisure Park.
Alongside the Dementia Support group, we hope to incorporate physical activity sessions suitable for individuals with dementia as well as their support network. We are proud to be part of this new service and to support individuals becoming more physically active.”
Chloe Davana, Active Communities Manager, Winchester Sport & Leisure Park
Support the Memory
Wellbeing Centre
Established in October 2022, our Dementia Support service has already provided life-changing support to more than 110 dementia-affected individuals and their loved ones.
The formation of the service’s fortnightly Memory Wellbeing Centre has created a welcoming, informative, and supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers to socialise and connect. Each two-hour session is run by our Admiral Nurses and Dementia Support Worker, who provide support and advice over tea, coffee, and biscuits, as well as guiding games and relaxed activities.
However, as the popularity of the Memory Wellbeing Centre grows, we are championing the case for the programme to become a weekly feature of the Dementia Support service, doubling the number of sessions delivered each month.
Each Memory Wellbeing Centre requires the input, time, and skills of our experienced Dementia Support team, including two resident Admiral Nurses and Dementia Support Workers. We also provide refreshments and tailored activities at every session. Most importantly, every Memory Wellbeing Centre is free to attend, removing financial barriers to accessing this critical and often transformational support.
A donation in support of our Memory Wellbeing Centre will enable us to sustain this lifeline service on a weekly basis, nurturing a network of allies who can come together to positively face the challenges of a dementia diagnosis.
Donate to the Memory Wellbeing Centre by emailing office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk. If you’d like to pledge a major gift towards our Dementia Support service, please contact Hannah Garriock, Finance Director at hannah.garriock@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.