Alzheimer’s Society announces John and Nula Suchet as Ambassadors

Their appointment comes at a time where people with dementia, 95% of whom are over 65 and mainly reliant on social care, are at significant risk and cut off from the outside world because of the current coronavirus crisis. 

The social care system, already at breaking point, has been further impacted by a reduction in care workers, as well as care homes having to close their doors to visitors. 

The need for Alzheimer’s Society’s services has never been more urgent. Around 80% of calls to its Dementia Connect support line are about coronavirus issues and in March alone, nearly 3,300 calls were made*. There’s been an increase of 600% in people joining the charity’s online community Talking Point in the last two weeks and around 100 more posts made per day. 

The charity’s Emergency Appeal will raise funds to help keep the Dementia Connect support line going and extend telephone and virtual support. People affected by dementia tell us our support line is a lifeline with thousands of people affected by dementia now having to cope with a temporary closure of face-to-face services and self-isolation.

Supporting people affected by dementia is a cause that is close to both the Suchets’ hearts as John lost his second wife Bonnie to dementia and Nula saw husband James Black succumb to the condition. The couple found friendship and comfort when they first met in the care home where their loved ones were residing.

Speaking about the Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador role, John Suchet said:

'I’m honoured to have been asked to be an official Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society. Someone develops dementia every three minutes and I know first-hand the wave of devastation that a diagnosis brings and the toll it takes on the whole family.' 

In these unprecedented times, I’m calling on others to join me in doing whatever we can to help Alzheimer’s Society support those affected by dementia who are so badly impacted by this crisis, so no-one has to face it alone.

Artist and author Nula Suchet added:

'John and I understand what it is to care for and lose the ones we love to dementia and represent two out of thousands of stories from people across the UK who are affected by such a devastating condition. Those with dementia - and the family members and friends who care for them - right now run the risk of just not getting the essential care they need in their homes to help with everyday tasks like eating and washing, let alone much-needed company and social contact. That’s why it’s never been more important to support Alzheimer’s Society both during the coronavirus crisis and in the future.”

Welcoming the Suchets as new ambassadors, Kate Lee, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

We’re delighted John and Nula have joined forces with us as Ambassadors because they understand how tough it is to struggle with dementia and share our determination that nobody should face dementia alone and without adequate support.

'We are hearing daily from people with dementia desperately worrying about how to cope and unable to get food deliveries, families struggling to explain what’s going on and carers unable to visit vulnerable people in person. We’re so grateful to have John and Nula channel their experiences into helping us be there for everyone in these challenging times. Our plea to the public is we need your help - we can’t do this without urgent donations.'

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 provides information and practical measures for people affected by dementia around the coronavirus and directs people towards other reliable sources. For up to date information, our services and practical measures we can all take to protect people with dementia during the coronavirus crisis, please visit alzheimers.org.uk

To support Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/emergency