Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Dementia Services in Ukraine

10 January 2024 · 1 other contributor · 3,687 words

Opened by Gary Streeter Con South West Devon

Responding minister: Andrew Mitchell

UkraineNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Gary Streeter raised concerns about dementia services in ukraine in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Gary Streeter expressed concern over the impact of Russia's invasion on dementia sufferers and their families in Ukraine.
  • Mr Streeter requested that the Foreign Office fund an initial project phase of 150,000 to allow a UK team to visit Ukraine and establish groundwork.
  • The Minister acknowledged the devastating impact of Russia's invasion on elderly Ukrainians in Ukraine.

Key requests to Government

Mr Streeter requests that the Foreign Office fund phase one of the proposed project, estimated at £150,000, to enable a UK team to visit Ukraine to establish groundwork and engage with stakeholders. He believes this small cost could yield significant benefits compared to military support costs.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Gary Streeter Con South West Devon

Mr Gary Streeter is concerned about the impact of Russia's invasion on dementia sufferers and their families in Ukraine. He cites a statement from Nezabutni, indicating that over 4,000 houses were destroyed during the war's first month, with more than 6.5 million Ukrainians displaced. The situation for people with dementia has worsened due to constant airstrikes and the need to hide in bomb shelters, making it extremely difficult or impossible for them to cope.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Committed to the hon. Member for South West Devon, Jim Shannon highlighted that one in 70 people worldwide have dementia and Alzheimer's. He cited a statement from Alzheimer's Disease International emphasizing the importance of training relief workers to identify those suffering from dementia to ensure their safe transition.

Government Response

Andrew Mitchell

It is a great privilege to respond on behalf of the Government, recognising the tireless work by my hon. Friend the Member for South West Devon in supporting dementia-friendly communities and vulnerable groups in Ukraine. The Minister for Europe, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldershot would have been delighted to participate but he is currently in Uzbekistan. Russia's illegal invasion has devastatingly impacted elderly Ukrainians, with about 80% of single older Ukrainians living below the poverty line. To date, we have pledged almost £5 billion in non-military support to Ukraine, including funding for humanitarian aid and disability inclusion services. We established a civil society grant fund, co-hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference raising over $60 billion in international support, and through our multi-donor Perekhid initiative, work with Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy to strengthen social protection systems. In 2023, we funded WHO and HelpAge International to conduct an updated national survey analysing barriers and risks to older people in relation to healthcare. During the Foreign Secretary's visit to Washington last month, further programme allocations were announced including about £8 million for humanitarian activities focusing on vulnerable groups such as older people and people with disabilities. We will continue working with our allies to ensure Ukraine gets support to win this war, secure peace, and build back better.

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