Nick Thomas-Symonds MP visited the Nationwide branch in Cwmbran town centre to learn of the bank’s Nationwide Fairer Futures programme which launched last summer, and how it is supporting people in Torfaen.

Nationwide is now the largest banking brand on the high street with 605 branches across the United Kingdom.

The Fairer Futures programme is a three-year project that aims to address significant societal issues including people living with dementia. In partnership with Dementia UK, Nationwide are delivering dementia specialist Admiral Nurses in Nationwide branches including Cwmbran.

The specialist nurses are given a private space within branches to offer 45-minute appointments to provide expert support and advice for anyone affected by dementia- regardless of who they bank with.

As well as hearing how Nationwide are supporting people living with dementia and their loved ones, the Torfaen MP met staff at the Cwmbran branch, learned of the provisions that are in place to support the most vulnerable customers, and discussed Nationwide’s Branch Promise which confirmed all branches will remain open until at least the start of 2028.

Following the visit, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: “I was delighted to visit Nationwide in Cwmbran to hear how their Fairer Futures Programme has supported specialist advice for people living with dementia and their loved ones in Torfaen.

This is alongside their wider work on tackling youth homelessness, supporting families living in poverty, and providing funding specialist research staff for cancer treatment.

I also know important access to high street banking is for people across the constituency, so it is welcome Nationwide have committed to Torfaen until 2028, and how they continue to support the most vulnerable customers.”

Darren Lewis, branch manager at Nationwide in Cwmbran, said: “It was an honour to welcome Nick Thomas-Symonds MP into the branch to show the value of our in-branch dementia clinics to the local community.

“At Nationwide we want to ensure no-one faces dementia alone and encourage anyone impacted by dementia to seek support by either visiting a specialist Admiral Nurse in one of our branches or by calling the dementia helpline on 0800 888 6678.

“It’s through our Branch Promise that we remain committed to Britain’s high streets and will stay everywhere we have a branch until at least 2028.”