Irwin Mitchell’s Chichester Office Supports Charity For Second Year

A charity which helps local people living with dementia, and their families and carers, is set to benefit after lawyers and staff at the Chichester office of Irwin Mitchell nominated it to be their Charity of the Year for a second year running.

The national law firm’s initiative sees staff across each of its offices hold a range of events each year to raise funds for local causes which have been selected through a vote. The programme is part of the work of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, an independent charity which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary and has raised more than £1.6 million for charities in the UK and abroad.

Dementia Support is a unique, West Sussex charity with an aim to provide complete dementia services under one roof in a £1.74 million Dementia Support Hub.

Based in Tangmere, the Hub facilities and services will be available for people living with dementia, and their family and carers in the West Sussex area. Thanks to fundraising from individuals and businesses all over the area, the much needed hub is now set to open this spring.

Expert Opinion

“The Charity of the Year initiative has been a fundamental part of our efforts to actively support the local communities where we are based for many years and we are proud to have helped a number of incredible causes along the way.

“Everyone at the office agreed that we wanted to keep Dementia Support as a charity for another year so we can continue to support them while the hub opens its doors to the public and is in its infancy. It has been wonderful to see the hub coming together over the last few years and we cannot wait to see how this new purpose built centre will help improve the lives of those living with dementia in the area going forward.” Paula James - Partner & National Head of Lifetime and Estate Planning

The new hub will help support people like Sylvia Worden who cares for her husband Bill who has Alzheimer’s. Sylvia said: “As a main carer I know how badly this facility is needed. Somewhere to obtain information and help under one roof will be so much appreciated. I have gleaned information from magazines, family and friends and one named advisor would have helped us so much.”

Nicki Clarke, Fundraising & Communications Coordinator commented: “In 2017 the Irwin Mitchell team were fantastic in their support of the charity, raising money though office events and the Law Society Dinner. We also worked with them to raise awareness about dementia through Dementia Friends Sessions and presentations to the team. 

“Dementia Support is very grateful that Irwin Mitchell has chosen us as their Charity of the Year again.  Support from local businesses and corporate organisations is vital in helping us achieve our vision of building our new Dementia Support Hub and providing sustainable dementia support for the local community. 

“The Hub will open officially in the spring 2018, and when fully operational will have services such as Memory Assessment Service, information & advice, health & wellbeing services, social & therapeutic activities, and a community garden and café.  

“We are very pleased that Irwin Mitchell are supporting us in 2018 and continuing on this exciting journey with us.”