A CHARITY that works to improve the lives of people affected by dementia will move a step closer to expanding its national helpline after receiving a windfall.

Dementia UK supports thousands of sufferers by supplying specialist mental health nurses.

It also runs a national helpline and email service, Admiral Nursing DIRECT, currently running three days a week out of its head office, based in Holloway Road.

The aim is to expand that to five days a week and the group is being helped after receiving £3,000 from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund.

Adam Nash, fund-raising assistant, said the service was a vital lifeline for people with the condition.

“We are trying to get Admiral Nurses to anyone who should need it," he said.

"We have 103 around the country, plus those in our head office, but sometimes people do not have access to those services. So, the direct line offers a quick response.

“It is staffed by specialist dementia nurses at our head office who can offer advice.

"Anyone who is a carer or who has concerns about someone with the early signs of dementia can ring and get a quick response or advice.

“The grant will go towards that and can have an immediate effect."

Now in its second year, the Lloyds Bank Community Fund gave grants to good causes in 333 communities.

Four good causes were nominated by staff in each community, with more than 2.3million votes cast in branches, online and by text message at the end of last year.

Dementia UK, which celebrates its 20th birthday in June, and Scene and Heard garnered the most votes.

Adam said: “We are very grateful our work is being recognised. It comes at a great time really, with our anniversary coming up."

Lloyds Bank provided funding to 1,332 community groups in England & Wales through its Community Fund in 2013.

To find out more about the community groups in your area, visit www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund