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Whilst most people develop dementia in their older years, it can affect younger people too.

Young onset dementia is when symptoms develop before the age of 65 and there are an estimated 70,000 sufferers in the UK.

At Oxleas, we’re proud to be developing specialist, collaborative support for people living with young onset dementia and their families.

Leading this inspirational work is our award-winning Young Onset Dementia Nurse, Kelly Mills.

Kelly was revealed as the winner of our Governors’ Award at the Recognition Awards 2025 for her dedication, compassion and expertise in supporting patients and families, which has been transformative.

Over the past two years, Kelly and her team have:

• Improved awareness and supported pathways with targeted project work
• Listened to those with lived experience, carers and clinicians to shape services
• Established a steering group to strengthen cross-directorate collaboration
• Developed a Children and Young People pathway to identify young carers
• Provided connection and peer support through a carers group
• Delivered specialist workshops for sufferers
• Launched a Young Onset Dementia Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course in partnership with Greenwich Memory Service

The team estimate that around 200 people under the age of 65 have received a diagnosis of young onset dementia in Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich over the past five years.

Kelly said:

We know that young onset dementia brings unique challenges, but also opportunities for tailored, compassionate and creative support. Through our work, we’re continuing to listen, learn and lead the way in providing care that truly meets the needs of younger people living with dementia and those who love them.

Please do get in touch if you would like to join the steering group or would like more information about the project: oxl-tr.yod.service@nhs.net