AGE Concern Wirral has received £260,000 to fund an advocacy service for people over 50 with early onset dementia.

The cash, from the Nationwide Foundation will enable the organisation to help 450 people suffering the effects of early onset dementia across the borough.

The service will help sufferers plan their finances and housing needs, allowing them to live independently for as long as possible.

There is currently no specific statutory funding for dementia sufferers aged under 65. In addition, this group of younger people has complex problems.

Jamie Anderson, senior manager of Age Concern Wirral, said: "We have been delivering services for people aged over 65, suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease for over 25 years and have a wide range of experience in supporting individuals, their families and carers with all of the issues associated with dementia.

"We have been working all year to construct a new wing at our existing Dementia Centre, the Devonshire Resource Centre, specifically for younger sufferers.

"We are now delighted to be working with Nationwide Foundation to launch this exciting advocacy project to ensure that younger sufferers and their families are able to live as fulfilling and independent lives as possible during the progression of the disease.

"For example, they may have dependent children, have carer responsibility for older relatives, be main wage-earners and have mortgages and other credit.

"The funding will enable two advisors to be recruited who will provide housing, financial and dementia expertise. They will work closely with beneficiaries and their families to learn about their needs and wishes."

As well as benefiting dementia sufferers in Wirral, Age Concern will develop a model of best practice and will seek to use its experience to influence policy and commissioning processes locally and nationally.

Lisa Parker, chief executive of The Nationwide Foundation, said: “Over the next three years, the advocacy support service will improve the lives of 450 younger sufferers of dementia and their families who are struggling with housing and financial problems.

"In addition, it will create jobs for two people and should bring about long term policy changes to widen the benefits."

Charities wishing to apply for funding from The Nationwide Foundation should visit nationwidefoundation.org.uk, email enquiries@nationwidefoundation.org.uk or call 01793 655113.