Nationwide says 'dates are being scheduled' over changes to branch service

Nationwide says 'dates are being scheduled' over changes to branch service The group is continuing to make changes to its offering Nationwide Building Society has shared an update about some key changes to its branch offering. The provider said it is putting dates on the calendar as it amends one of its current services. The savings giant has recently run a trial of expanding its dementia clinics, with trial session at 12 Virgin Money branches across Northern England and Scotland. Asked for an update on this programme, a spokesperson said: "The trial is still ongoing, but clinics have now taken place in all 12 Virgin Money pilot branches across Northern England and Scotland. We've seen positive uptake and encouraging feedback from both those attending the clinics and branch colleagues who host them." Dementia clinics are 45-minute appointments where you can meet with an Admiral Nurse, to discuss any concerns you have about the condition. Anyone can attend one of these free confidential sessions, where you can get advice such as the symptoms to look out for and how to care for someone with dementia. Ensure our latest banking news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. When Nationwide announced the trial back in April 2026, it confirmed the dates for the clinics at the Northern England branches, which ran from May to June. This included events at Sheffield, Dewsbury, Washington and Castleford in May, as well as at Stockton, High Street and South Shields, Fowler Street in June. But it did not confirm the dates for the clinics at the Scotland branches at the time. Nationwide was asked if these clinics north of the border have now taken place. Dates being scheduled The group said: "The Scottish trial has taken place - with clinics running in branches including Glenrothes, Hamilton, Livingston, Clydebank, Inverurie and Baillieston. Following a positive response, further clinic dates are continuing to be scheduled as part of the ongoing evaluation of the pilot." Staff colleagues said the one-to-one support provided by the Admiral Nurses, who are trained by Dementia UK, to be hugely valuable. Nationwide said the clinics also helped spark "wider conversations" in local communities about dementia and the support you can get. What do people ask about at the dementia clinics? Asked what common questions people raise at the clinics, Nationwide said this varies a lot depending on their situation. The group said that some common issues that come up include: - Symptoms - Understanding a diagnosis and how to get one - Practical advice on caring for someone living with dementia - Emotional support for family members and carers - Planning for the future - Guidance on financial and legal matters. The spokesperson said: "People also use the clinics to discuss complex situations they may be facing, understand what support services are available locally and get advice following a bereavement. Admiral Nurses take the time to understand each family's circumstances and provide tailored advice and support." Continual review Asked if there are plans to expand the service further, Nationwide said: "We continually review the programme to ensure the clinics are reaching the communities where they are needed most. Since launching in 2024, more than 8,700 appointments have been booked through our branch clinics, demonstrating strong demand for accessible dementia support." Dementia clinics are now available at more than250 branches across Nationwide's UK network. The building society said: "We will continue to assess demand and opportunities for further expansion as part of our partnership with Dementia UK." The savings giant also took the opportunity to speak about its wider plans to support local communities. The spokesperson explained: "Our dementia clinics are part of Nationwide's Fairer Futures social impact strategy and reflect our belief that branches can play an important role in connecting people with expert support in their communities. "Through our partnership with Dementia UK, we're helping make specialist advice more accessible by providing a familiar, local and free-to-use setting for people affected by dementia." The comments come after research from Nationwide found that fewer than one in 10 adults with living parents have spoken about how they would like their finances to be managed should they develop a condition like dementia. Start the conversation Almost a quarter said they wouldn't know where to start in taking on someone's finances if dementia affected someone in their family. More than four in 10 said their household would be financially unprepared for such an event. Charlotte Kensett, director of Social Impact for Nationwide, said: "Too often, families only start thinking about finances when dementia has already reached a crisis point. Having conversations and putting plans in place earlier can help ensure a person's wishes are understood, reduce uncertainty for loved ones and make managing the challenges ahead that little bit easier." You can book a clinic on the Dementia UK website.