Welcome to Kernow Directory. Organisations supporting adults across Cornwall are continuing to add their details. If you are an organisation, please visit one of our directories and click “Add a listing.”
Our information, advice and guidance pages are co-produced with people who have lived experience and will continue to grow.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with dementia, we can help you get the support you need.
There are over 200 types of dementia. Each type stops a person’s brain working properly. This can affect memory, thoughts and speech, as well as causing other symptoms. The most common types of dementia are:
You can find out more about the different types and stages on the Dementia UK website.
There are several national organisations and charities that provide information, advice and guidance for people who have dementia, and their families. These may also provide support.
Age UK - provides specialist, impartial advice to research and campaigns to improve the experience of getting older
Alzheimer's Society - provides support to those who need it, funds ground-breaking research and campaigns to make dementia a priority
CJD Support Network - supports people and families living with Creutzfeldt Jakob disease
Dementia UK (including Admiral Nurses) - provides specialist dementia support for families through Admiral Nurses, offers practical and emotional support
Head for Change - supporting and campaigning around head injuries and brain health support
NHS Health A-Z page on dementia
NHS Dementia Information Service - includes weekly information email signup and more information
Rare Dementia Network - provides holistic support for people living with rare dementias and their families
The Dementia Research Centre (University College London) - has particular expertise in young-onset, inherited and unusual dementias
The Young Dementia Network for people and families where dementia is diagnosed before the age of 65, known as 'young onset dementia'
You can use our Community Directory to find out about a wide range of support services available in Cornwall. This may include:
social groups
specialist dementia training
support groups for carers
Alzheimer's Society - Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Information and Advice Line - provides support and information for people affected by dementia in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
The Filo Project - provides small group care days for people with early to moderate dementia in Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and East Lancashire
If you have a diagnosis of Dementia you and / or your carers may be entitled to certain benefits. This may include:
personal Independence payment (replaced disability living allowance)
You may be able to register as a priority customer for utilities such as:
Electricity
Gas
Telephone, including mobile
Registering as a Priority Customer means that they will tell you in advance of any planned works, and give special consideration to you in the event of problems with your supply. Any household with children under the age of 5, of pensionable age, or who has any kind of disability, is eligible, along with several other categories of people.
You can also register for help with your waste and recycling collections. This is called Assisted Collections. You can find out about this on our Waste and Recycling pages.
The person you care for may need help to manage their finances and day to day living. There are options available to you to help safeguard you and your finances. The Mental Capacity Act is the law in England and Wales that protects and supports people who lack capacity to make a decision. It also outlines who can and should make decisions for you. You can find out more about these on the gov.uk website:
Our helping hand web page provides links to more information and advice such as:
help at home
help with bills
help with information
help with your home
Do you care for a family member or friend with Dementia?
anyone can be seen, recognised and supported as a carer
any carer can get specific help relevant to their individual caring role
be supported with a formal needs assessment and support plan
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses. They are employed by Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT). Admiral Nurses specialise in helping support families that care for someone who has a diagnosis of dementia.