Staff at SBS, the world’s oldest building society, are supporting the charity’s volunteers by providing specialist advice on questions around finances, such as mortgages and savings.

With families in self-isolation, the charity has had to increase capacity on this critical lifeline. They reached out to SBS to ask if staff could volunteer their expertise for the helpline.

SBS has already trained staff on supporting vulnerable customers and attended training sessions to become Dementia Friends.

Many of the Alzheimer Scotland’s volunteers have had personal or professional experience of caring for people with dementia. However, with families facing financial uncertainty, they also need a link to expert advice.

With banking classed as an essential service by the government, SBS branches are working on reduced hours to support customers.

Paul Denton, SBS chief executive, said: “It is critical at this time that those living with dementia and their partners, carers and friends know that they are not alone. Alzheimer Scotland provides a vital lifeline at these difficult times and everyone at the Society feels privileged to support such an essential charity.”

The charity’s helpline can be reached by calling 0808 808 3000.

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