I am seeking urgent action to save a Sunderland service which offers a crucial lifeline to thousands of people affected by dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society has blamed funding shortages for its decision to shut the Princess of Wales Centre in Hylton Road at the end of June. This loss would be a terrible blow for our city.

Today I have written to the charity, urging them to re-think the closure decision, as well as to the Minister of State for Health and Social Care – asking for urgent intervention on this issue.

Almost all of us will know of someone living with dementia – and each deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. A diagnosis can be a very lonely place, especially if help or support isn’t easily available.

Years of Government cuts to council budgets have resulted in a social care funding crisis, with a growing number of older people having unmet social care needs. This is just not right or fair.

It is vital that we try to save this crucial service and I will update constituents when I have further information.

Read more about the proposed closure here:

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/health/anguish-as-lifeline-alzheimer-s-society-service-in-sunderland-is-set-to-close-1-9558481