PEOPLE living with dementia will be helped by a new support service for people from Bradford backed by the Bulls.

Community Links, a non-profit mental health services provider which is part of the Inspire North group, has announced the upcoming launch of Bradford Dementia Hub. The new service has been announced to mark Dementia Action Week, which runs until Sunday, May 21.

The new service will offer one-to-one appointments via phone or home visits, and community outreach.

People with a dementia diagnosis can be referred to the service through their GP, or memory clinics, or they can self-refer via the soon-to-be-launched Bradford Dementia Hub website.

The hub, commissioned by Bradford Council for three years, will be delivered by Community Links, in partnership with Bradford community support service, Khidmat Centres.

It will provide information and advice to support local people to manage their condition and live well with dementia, offering comprehensive post-diagnosis information, advice, and signposting for adults of any age diagnosed with dementia and their friends, families, and carers.

Bradford Bulls have teamed up with Bradford Dementia Hub to help raise awareness of dementia in the local community and offer facilities for the service to run events.

Ruth Kettle, chief executive at Inspire North, said: “Through our partnership with Khidmat Centres, we aim to reach diverse communities including the South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European communities, ensuring our support is culturally appropriate and tailored to the individual’s support needs.

“This is our very first dementia service in Bradford. We are looking forward to establishing relationships with influential local organisations - such as the Khidmat Centres and the Bradford Bulls - to promote a culture of access, understanding and empowerment around dementia.”

Rashad Bokhari, general manager at Khidmat Centres, said: “Since its inception, Khidmat Centres has provided day-care services to vulnerable adults with a wide range of needs.

“Over the years, we have worked with individuals and their families around dementia and understanding and managing the condition.

Jason Hirst, chief executive at Bradford Bulls, said: “In partnership with the Bradford Bulls Foundation, the Bradford Bulls are delighted and honoured to work alongside Inspire North and Khidmat Centres.

“Rugby League and the Bradford Bulls are a force for good across our whole community, and we look forward to raising awareness of dementia services across the Bradford district.”

Bradford Dementia Hub is the fourth site from the Community Links’ Dementia Hub, following Kirklees Dementia Hub which opened in 2017 and the Calderdale version which launched last year.