A MENTAL health charity based in Andover will stop providing carer support and dementia advice service from next month.

Andover Mind has announced that the service funded by Hampshire County Council will be discontinued at the end of August following changes.

However, a new countywide service, called the 'Hampshire Carer Support Service', will launch in September. This new service will be delivered by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

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Andover Mind also announced that a new interim CEO will be announced for the charity in the coming days.

The new service under Princess Royal Trust for Carers will offer a wider range of support to carers aged 18 and over. This includes those caring for individuals with dementia, physical disabilities, and learning difficulties.

Services offered will include information, advice, one-on-one support, and even contingency planning to help prepare for emergencies.

Dementia-specific advice will not be included in the new service due to funding limitations.

Andover Mind will continue accepting new referrals until August 31. From September 1, you can contact the new service provider, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, through its website: carercentre.com

Andover Mind said it understands the change may cause concern for existing users and assures them of continued support during the transition.

Judith Davey-Cole, chair of trustees at Andover Mind, said: “There are significant changes to the way that support for carers are being delivered in Hampshire. As part of those changes, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers will be taking over the Carer Support Service – and we are working hard to support both the people who use the service and the staff involved in delivering it.”

Ms Davey-Cole also addressed rumours surrounding the charity's leadership.

“We are aware of rumours surrounding our senior leadership team and can confirm that we will be appointing a new interim CEO in the coming days. This decision has no impact on our overall staffing levels and we remain committed to empowering those facing mental health challenges and to support carers.”

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Despite these changes, Andover Mind said it remains dedicated to serving the community.

“Over the past year, we’ve provided essential support to over 8,000 people, including a growing number of young people," Ms Davey-Cole said.

"Our message to people in need is: we are here to support you.

“We deeply value the Andover community’s continued support - whether by fundraising, volunteering, or simply enjoying our Garden for Mind. Together, we can ensure these vital services thrive and continue to meet the needs of our community."