A LEADING dementia charity is expanding its care and support team as it extends its services to reflect increased demand.

Dementia Care, which has centres in Hexham and Newcastle, offers respite care, home support, day services and independent supported living housing for people with dementia.

As demand for its specialist services continues to grow, the charity plans to expand throughout the region in order to reach as many people with dementia – and their families – as possible.

It has now launched a rolling programme of recruitment with the aim of increasing its 150 strong workforce by 50 per cent in the next 12 months.

Twenty-eight care-based positions are currently available across all parts of the charity’s operation, with additional staff to be recruited in Newcastle and Teesside in 2017.

In addition to offering guaranteed hours and competitive rates of pay, Dementia Care has an extensive training programme in place, giving staff the opportunity to gain a range of qualifications, including NVQ Level 3 in health care and social care and specialist dementia qualifications from the University of Sterling.

Head of HR and training at Dementia Care Jane Thackray said: “With the number of people developing dementia projected to increase significantly over the next decade, specialist dementia care services such as ours are needed more and more.

“We are looking for talented individuals who would like to pursue or continue a career in care or support work to join our existing committed and caring team.

“Many of our staff have been with us for a number of years and we are always looking to encourage, train and develop people to be the best.

“As a charity, Dementia Care is a very rewarding place to work; making a difference to the lives of people with dementia and seeing the impact our services can have.”