Surrey County Council has launched a new service to help dementia sufferers, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

The new service will feature a network of 11 centres across the county aimed at offering support and advice, particularly for those in the early stages of the disease.

The planned initiative is the product of a joint partnership between the NHS, Surrey County Council, each of the county’s borough councils and voluntary groups including the Alzheimer’s Society who will provide support at each of the ‘hubs’.

It is estimated that about 570,000 people in the UK have dementia, a disease that causes memory loss, an inability to finish tasks and the loss of speech and mobility.

Michael Gosling, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “Dealing with the confusion and forgetfulness that are the early signs of dementia is difficult enough. Until now people have had the added challenge of navigating a maze of services but by working as one team councils, the NHS and voluntary groups are making life easier for people with the illness.”

The first centre will be based the Manor Farm Day Centre in Manor Farm Lane, Egham and is due to be launched by the end of March.

Centres at Caterham and Walton will follow with eight others planned.