Bank of Ireland UK has announced that the Alzheimer’s Society will be its new flagship charity partner for the next two years.

The partnership will see Bank of Ireland UK support the Alzheimer’s Society to spearhead fundraising efforts. Through an array of different initiatives across the country, the partnership will aim to raise awareness of the disease’s devastating effects and help those most affected.

Specifically, Bank of Ireland UK will provide key support to the charity’s Side by Side programme, which offers free one-to-one support for people with dementia in 29 different locations across the UK.

In addition, the Bank is hosting ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions and webinars to increase employee awareness of the challenges those fighting the disease face, including the impact on their loved ones. The scheme will form part of the country’s biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of Alzheimer’s.

Alison Pallett, director of mortgage sales for Bank of Ireland UK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Alzheimer’s Society, and look forward to giving our employees the opportunity to show their support for such an important charity. The Bank is proud to champion a cause as pertinent as dementia, which many people up and down the country are personally invested in.”

Seema Chopra, corporate account manager from Alzheimer’s Society, added: “We are grateful that Bank of Ireland UK has chosen Alzheimer’s Society as its flagship charity for the next two years. As an organisation we strive to help the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and we look forward to the bank helping us heighten the visibility of this devastating condition, raise awareness around the support required and to raise vital funds needed for us to continue our services to people affected by dementia.”