Every Family Deserves Better Support After a Dementia Diagnosis
The Issue
The day my mum was diagnosed with dementia changed our lives forever.
Like so many families, we left the appointment feeling overwhelmed, frightened and unsure what to do next. We had so many questions but very few answers.
What does this diagnosis really mean?
What support is available?
Who do we contact?
How do we prepare for what's ahead?
Instead of leaving with a clear plan and ongoing support, we were left to navigate one of the hardest journeys of our lives on our own.
Over the next 10 years, I became my mum's main carer. Looking back, I often think how different those early days could have been if someone had taken the time to guide us through the first few weeks and months after her diagnosis.
A dementia diagnosis shouldn't be the end of a conversation it should be the beginning of support.
Every family should leave with clear information, practical guidance and someone they can turn to when they have questions.
That is why I am calling on NHS England, memory clinics and healthcare providers to introduce a consistent package of support for every family following a dementia diagnosis, including:
• A clear guide explaining what to expect in the first few weeks and months.
• Information about benefits, financial support and legal planning.
• Details of local dementia services and support groups.
• Advice for family carers on looking after their own wellbeing.
• A named contact or follow up appointment so families are not left to cope alone.
No family should have to spend hours searching the internet while trying to come to terms with such life changing news.
I created Holding On With Love because I want families to feel supported from the very beginning not just when they reach crisis point.
My mum's journey inspired me to campaign for change so that future families receive the compassion, guidance and reassurance that every person deserves.
If you believe no one should leave a dementia diagnosis feeling lost and alone, please sign and share this petition.
Together, we can help ensure that every family begins their dementia journey with support, understanding and hope.
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The Issue
The day my mum was diagnosed with dementia changed our lives forever.
Like so many families, we left the appointment feeling overwhelmed, frightened and unsure what to do next. We had so many questions but very few answers.
What does this diagnosis really mean?
What support is available?
Who do we contact?
How do we prepare for what's ahead?
Instead of leaving with a clear plan and ongoing support, we were left to navigate one of the hardest journeys of our lives on our own.
Over the next 10 years, I became my mum's main carer. Looking back, I often think how different those early days could have been if someone had taken the time to guide us through the first few weeks and months after her diagnosis.
A dementia diagnosis shouldn't be the end of a conversation it should be the beginning of support.
Every family should leave with clear information, practical guidance and someone they can turn to when they have questions.
That is why I am calling on NHS England, memory clinics and healthcare providers to introduce a consistent package of support for every family following a dementia diagnosis, including:
• A clear guide explaining what to expect in the first few weeks and months.
• Information about benefits, financial support and legal planning.
• Details of local dementia services and support groups.
• Advice for family carers on looking after their own wellbeing.
• A named contact or follow up appointment so families are not left to cope alone.
No family should have to spend hours searching the internet while trying to come to terms with such life changing news.
I created Holding On With Love because I want families to feel supported from the very beginning not just when they reach crisis point.
My mum's journey inspired me to campaign for change so that future families receive the compassion, guidance and reassurance that every person deserves.
If you believe no one should leave a dementia diagnosis feeling lost and alone, please sign and share this petition.
Together, we can help ensure that every family begins their dementia journey with support, understanding and hope.
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Petition created on 23 July 2026