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Support, advice and connection for people living with dementia, their families and carers across Sandwell.
If you have been diagnosed with dementia, are worried about memory changes, or care for someone living with dementia, we are here to help.
The Sandwell Community Dementia Service provides personalised support to help people understand their condition, access local services, maintain independence and stay connected to their community. We work alongside individuals, families, carers, health services, social care and community organisations to ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
How we can help
Information and Advice
Helping you understand dementia, available support, services, benefits and local resources.
Personalised Support
A dedicated Navigator/Advisor will work with you to understand your needs and develop a personalised support plan.
Support for Families and Carers
Practical advice, emotional support and help accessing services for carers and families.
Community Connections
Connecting people with dementia and carers to local activities, peer support, wellbeing services and dementia-friendly opportunities across Sandwell.
Helping Prevent Crisis
Early support, coordinated care and access to the right services to help maintain wellbeing and reduce the risk of crisis or unnecessary hospital admission.
Specialist Support
Additional support is available for people with learning disabilities and dementia, early-onset dementia, and those transitioning home from hospital.
Who Can Access the Service?
The Sandwell Community Dementia Service supports people affected by memory concerns and dementia, as well as the family members, carers and professionals who support them. Whatever stage of the journey you are at, we are here to help - you do not need a formal diagnosis of dementia to access our support. The service is available across all six towns of Sandwell and to people who are registered with a Sandwell GP.
People with Memory Concerns or Dementia
Whether you are worried about your memory, awaiting assessment, or living with a diagnosis of dementia, we can help.
We can support:
- People experiencing memory difficulties or cognitive changes
- People awaiting assessment, investigation or diagnosis
- People living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- People with a diagnosis of any type of dementia
- People who want to live well, remain independent and stay connected to their community
- People who have young onset dementia (symptoms occuring before the age of 65)
- People who have a learning disability and are experiencing symptoms consistent with dementia
Helping you navigate your dementia journey.
Family Members, Friends and Carers
Supporting someone affected by dementia can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. We are here to support you too. Carers and family members can access support in their own right, whether or not the person they care for is receiving support from SCDS
We can support:
- Spouses, partners, family members and friends
- Unpaid carers providing regular support
- People looking for information, advice and practical guidance
- People wanting support to understand dementia, access services, maintain their own wellbeing, or continue in their caring role
- People wanting help to plan ahead
- People feeling overwhelmed or at risk of burnout
- People seeking emotional support and opportunities to connect with others
Because nobody should face dementia alone.
Professionals
We work alongside health, social care, voluntary, community and housing professionals to ensure people affected by dementia receive the right support at the right time.
We can support:
- Referrals into the service
- Advice, information and signposting
- Joint working and coordinated support planning
- Community awareness and engagement activities
- Dementia training and education opportunities
- People with dementia who are experiencing increasing risks, complexity or difficulties that could lead to crisis without support.
- Hospital Discharge Teams with patients discharged from hospital who require dementia-related support
Working together to improve outcomes for people affected by dementia.
Accessibility
At the Sandwell Community Dementia Service (SCDS), we are committed to ensuring that our information, services and communication channels are accessible, inclusive and easy to use for everyone.
We recognise that people access information in different ways and may experience a range of communication, sensory, cognitive, language or digital barriers. We are committed to removing these barriers wherever possible and making sure people can access support in a way that works best for them.
How to Make a Referral
Getting support is simple. Click on the option that best matches your situation and complete our online referral form.
I have dementia or concerns about my memory
I support someone with Dementia or memory concerns
For professionals
What happens next?
Before you start
If possible, please have:
✅ Contact details
✅ Basic information about the person needing support
✅ Any communication or accessibility needs
Don't worry if you don't have all the information. You can still submit a referral and we can discuss any missing details with you later.
What We Don't Do
❌ Diagnose dementia - we are not a diagnostic service
❌ Provide medical treatment - we are not medical professionals
❌ Carry out Memory Assessment Service diagnostic assessments - but we can help you access these
❌ Replace Adult Social Care assessments or care packages
❌ Provide emergency or crisis response services - If someone is at immediate risk, call 999. For urgent medical advice contact NHS 111 or your GP. If you have concerns about abuse, neglect or safeguarding, please contact Sandwell Adult Social Care immediately.
❌ Support individuals whose primary need is unrelated to dementia, memory concerns or supporting someone with dementia
Get in Touch
📞 Telephone: 01902 826655
✉ Email: scds@ageuksandwell.org.uk
Working Together Across Sandwell
The Sandwell Community Dementia Service is delivered through a collaborative partnership led by Communities in Sync (CIS), working alongside Age UK Sandwell, St Albans Community Association and Alzheimer's Society, supported by a wider network of local voluntary, community, health and social care partners.
This partnership helps ensure people can access joined-up support, local community opportunities and specialist expertise when needed.
The Service is commissioned by Sandwell MBC
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