Actor Jim Broadbent to help charity boost number of dementia nurses

Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent, who starred in Iris as John Bayley the husband of Iris Murdoch as she succumbed to dementia, has been named as an ambassador for Dementia UK.

The charity supports people with dementia and their families through dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.

There are currently 279 Admiral Nurses in the UK and this is not enough to support the 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. Jim Broadbent’s role will not only raise awareness of the condition, but will also help Dementia UK to increase the number of Admiral Nurses across the UK and within various care settings.

Mr Broadbent, who lost his mum to dementia, said: “I am privileged to have been asked to be an ambassador for Dementia UK. Over the years I have been connected with it I have been more than impressed by the professionalism, commitment and positivity that they bring to those who struggle with the shock and ever changing demands of having to care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia.

“It is a fine organisation fulfilling a vital role and I look forward to my continuing involvement.”

Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia and their families and offer one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions so they can face dementia with more confidence and less fear.

The nurses work across a range of care settings within the community, hospitals, hospices and care homes. Some nurses also work on Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – the only nurse-led helpline in the country which is available to anyone with any questions or concerns around dementia.

'Jim is an absolutely wonderful ambassador'

Dr Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, said: “With his connection to the cause, his passion and, of course, his stellar acting credentials, Jim is an absolutely wonderful ambassador for Dementia UK.

“His involvement in the BBC Lifeline Appeal did so much to help us raise awareness of Admiral Nursing across various care settings, including on our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline. We know that he will play a huge role in helping Dementia UK in its next chapter.”

Jim Broadbent won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of John Bayley in the film Iris, which showed the relationship between John and novelist Iris Murdoch, focussing on their youth and then as they aged, as Iris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

• If you need advice or support on living with dementia contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org. The Helpline is staffed by experienced Admiral Nurses, who give vital support by telephone or email

• For more information visit www.dementiauk.org, follow Dementia UK on Twitter: @DementiaUK, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DementiaUK1/

Benefits of Admiral Nurses

To listen to carehome.co.uk's latest podcast where broadcaster John Suchet talks about the huge benefits of having an Admiral Nurse when his wife Bonnie was diagnosed with dementia go to www.carehome.co.uk/podcast