Support for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's (NHFT) Admiral Nursing Service has been recognised nationally at the Dementia Care Awards 2026, highlighting the difference the team makes to families affected by dementia across the county. 

The specialist dementia nursing team was named a runner-up and received a highly commended recognition in a category celebrating Admiral Nurses and teams who have made a significant impact on the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. 

The recognition comes as demand for dementia support continues to grow, with research showing that one in two people in the UK will either care for someone with dementia or need dementia care themselves during their lifetime. 

NHFT's Admiral Nursing Service, in partnership with Dementia UK, provides specialist support for people caring for family members and loved ones with dementia, offering expert clinical advice, emotional support and practical guidance to help families navigate the challenges dementia can bring. 

Sophie Gumbs, Clinical Lead Admiral Nurse at NHFT, said: "We are incredibly proud to have been recognised at the Dementia Care Awards. This award reflects the dedication and passion of the whole team and, most importantly, the courage and resilience of the families we support every day. 

"The Admiral Nurse Service is a specialist dementia service made up of highly trained nurses. We provide expert clinical advice, emotional support and practical guidance, helping people feel more confident and less alone as they navigate their dementia journey." 

What makes the service unique is its focus on supporting the whole family, not just the person living with dementia. 

Sophie added: "We don't just support the person with dementia. We focus on the carer as well, recognising the vital role they play. 

"Carers often carry a huge emotional, physical and psychological burden. Without the right support, they can become overwhelmed, which is why our service is designed to help families every step of the way." 

The team offers support in a variety of ways to meet carers' different needs. 

For those looking for initial advice or reassurance, the service runs informal dementia drop-in sessions across Northamptonshire. Open to anyone caring for someone with dementia, the sessions provide an opportunity to access guidance, ask questions and connect with others in similar situations, with no referral required. 

The team also delivers the Dementia Carers Sanctuary, a structured six-week programme combining education, emotional wellbeing support and peer connection. 

The programme covers topics including understanding Admiral Nursing, delirium, coping with distress and restlessness, anxiety management, anticipatory grief and mindfulness. 

Sophie said: "Carers often join the programme feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained, but over time they gain knowledge, coping strategies and a strong sense of peer support. 

"By the end of the programme, many people feel more confident, less isolated and better equipped to manage the challenges they face." 

The Admiral Nursing team hopes the national recognition will help raise awareness of the support available locally and encourage more carers to seek help when they need it. 

Sophie added: "We want carers to know they are not alone and it's okay to ask for help. Reaching out is a strength and does not mean you've failed. 

"No family should have to face dementia alone. We're here to ensure that they don't." 

Anyone caring for a person with dementia can access support through NHFT's Admiral Nursing Service.  

Information about dementia drop-in sessions, the Dementia Carers Sanctuary programme and other available support can be found on the NHFT website at: www.nhft.nhs.uk/admiral-nursing