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Age UK Sutton Secures Macmillan Funding to Improve Support for People Living with Dementia and Cancer

Published on 11 November 2026 02:34 PM

Age UK Sutton has been awarded £142,000 from Macmillan Cancer Support to launch an innovative new service supporting people who are living with a dual diagnosis of both dementia and cancer, along with their families and carers.

The new Dementia and Cancer Connect service will run as a two-year pilot, providing specialist one-to-one support to help people navigate the challenges that can arise when managing both conditions. A dedicated Dementia and Cancer Specialist Adviser will offer practical and emotional support, helping people understand information, prepare for appointments, access services, and remain involved in decisions about their care.
 
Building on the success of Age UK Sutton's Dementia Hub and wider dementia support services, the project will bring specialist expertise into an area where support is often fragmented and difficult to access. By combining dementia knowledge with cancer support, the service aims to ensure people receive more joined-up, personalised care throughout their journey.
 
The project is expected to support 70 to 80 local people and carers each year, helping to ensure that no one has to face the challenges of dementia and cancer alone.
 
Alongside direct support, the project will include a Participatory Learning Group bringing together people with lived experience, healthcare professionals, and voluntary sector partners. The group will work together to identify the challenges people with dementia face when accessing cancer care and help develop practical ways to improve support. By sharing experiences, testing new approaches and learning what works, the project aims to improve local services and contribute to better care for people living with dementia and cancer in Sutton and beyond.
 
Age UK Sutton is one of just 65 organisations across the UK selected to receive a Macmillan Cancer Support CARE grant, which is designed to tackle inequalities in cancer care and improve access to support for people who are currently underserved.
 
This exciting new project reflects Age UK Sutton's commitment to supporting older people with complex needs and ensuring that local voices help shape better services for the future. By building on the strong foundations of the Dementia Hub and working closely with health and community partners, the organisation hopes to create lasting improvements for people affected by both dementia and cancer.