Barbara Windsor ambassador Alzheimer’s Society

Barbara Windsor ‘delighted’ to be appointed Alzheimer’s Society ambassador

Dame Barbara Windsor has been appointed ambassador to the Alzheimer’s Society following her 2014 diagnosis and decision in 2018 to go public.

Barbara and her husband Scott have been travelling up and down the country over the past few months. Meeting people with dementia and their families. The EastEnders star has spoken of her honour at the appointment.

‘I am absolutely delighted to become an Ambassador for this wonderful charity. Who are helping so many people living with dementia… like me,’ she said.

‘We’re lucky to have amazing support but my heart goes out to the many, many people who are really struggling to get the care they so desperately need.

‘Please join us – let’s do everything we can to sort this out.’

Barbara and Scott are calling on the British public to sign a new petition before its delivery to No.10 Downing Street in early September. Which asks the new Prime Minister to find a ‘long-term funding solution to end the social care crisis’.

Speaking about their experience, Scott said: ‘The last few years have been really hard for both Barbara and I as we’ve had to get used to dementia being in our lives.

‘Alzheimer’s Society has shown us there is life after dementia, and we want to do our bit to make sure no one faces dementia alone.

‘Over the last four months I have had the honour of meeting other people with dementia and their families. I’ve learnt so much about the challenges they are facing up and down the country.

‘Hearing their stories and seeing the true state of our social care system has shown me how people. Who aren’t as fortunate to be in the same position as myself and Barbara financially. Are facing a constant battle to get what they need. I want to do everything I can to help them.’

The Alzheimer’s Society has suggested that one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2021. That it is the ‘biggest health and care challenge facing us today’.

‘Yet the system is in disarray, completely unprepared to support the growing numbers of people receiving a dementia diagnosis,’ the society has said.

‘People with dementia and their families often have to spend typical care costs of £100,000, and too many receive inadequate care,’ the society added.

‘Since March 2017 people with dementia have spent more than 1 million unnecessary days stuck in hospital beds. Despite being well enough to go home, at a cost to the NHS of over £400 million.’