Nationwide confirms June date over change to branch services | Personal Finance | Finance

Nationwide Building Society has issued a statement about some changes to its branch offering. The group is expanding its in-person services and has set out a key date for customers to note.

The mutual previously announced it was expanding its dementia clinics, with some trial clinics to take place at certain Virgin Money branches. Nationwide completed its acquisition of Virgin Money back in October 2024. The dementia clinics are 45-minute appointments with Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK. The nurses can offfer a range of help to anyone affected by the illness.

You can get assistance with understanding the symptoms and getting a diagnosis, and how to care for someone who has dementia. Prior to the trial, Nationwide was already running the clinics at more than 230 branches across the UK.

Many of the trial clinics have already taken place over the month of May, with events at Virgin Money branches in Sheffield, Dewsbury, Washington and Castleford. Nationwide said the trial clinics to date have been very successful.

A colleague at the Sheffield branch said: “We love hosting the dementia clinics at Sheffield – all appointments turned up which shows the demand for this service.”

More events coming up

There are also two dates in the calendar for June, with a clinic at the Stockton branch on Tuesday, June 2 and at the South Shields branch on Thursday, June 11.

Nationwide has also set out plans for trial clinics at six Virgin Money branches in Scotland, with the dates yet to be confirmed. Nationwide said: “Dates for the Scottish branches will be made available on the Dementia UK website from June onwards.”

These clinics will be at these locations:

• Glenrothes
• Inverurie
• Baillieston
• Livingston
• Clydebank
• Hamilton.

There have been more than 6,000 appointments for the dementia clinics to date since the project launched in 2024. Nationwide said this shows there is “strong demand” for dementia support in local communities.

The savings provider was asked if there are any plans for more clinics going forward. Nationwide said: “We continuously review the demand for the dementia clinics hosted by Dementia UK’s specialist Admiral Nurses, and the number of branches that have delivered dementia clinics is now over 250 across the UK.”

‘A growing risk’

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at financial support group Money Wellness, commended Nationwide for expanding the dementia clinics. She said: “Nationwide deserves credit for recognising that some customers need extra support and that not everyone can manage important services fully online.

“As more banking, benefits and essential services move online, there’s a growing risk that people with dementia are being left behind. Not everyone is comfortable using apps, particularly when memory loss or cognitive decline is involved.

“That’s why in-person support still matters so much.” The advocate said these in-person services can make a vital difference.

Ms Lamb said: “Services based in places people already trust and use, such as banks, GP surgeries and community hubs, can play a huge role in spotting vulnerability early and helping people access support before problems spiral. Face-to-face conversations can also help protect vulnerable people from scams, financial abuse and serious debt problems, which are becoming an increasing concern for families affected by dementia.”