This Rare Disease Day, which is also RDS’ 9^th birthday, we’re delighted to announce the exciting news that we’ve reached our fundraising goal for the new Rare Dementia Support Centre! 

The appeal to create the world’s first specialist centre for people with rare forms of dementia secured so many generous donations that it enabled us to surpass our original fundraising goal. Incredibly, over £9m has now been raised for the new UCL-led centre, with extra funds helping towards the ongoing costs of the centre and the running of the RDS service.

Amongst others, we would like to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation and Rosetrees’ for their generosity, as well as a wide range of supporters who took on challenges, held gala dinners, hosted community fundraisers, and donated so successfully. Thanks to your support, this permanent home for RDS will become a reality. 

Watch a short virtual guided tour, voiced by lead architect Ewan Graham

The renovation of the buildings, designed by Hawkins\Brown architects, will blend lived and professional experience in a welcoming, informal environment. A substantial kitchen will sit at the heart of the centre, with lounge areas for larger group discussions and smaller rooms for conversations between individuals, families and advisers and therapists. There will also be dedicated spaces for physical, artistic and cultural activities. IT pods, booths, and audiovisual equipment will enable phone consultations, live streaming and recording to increase the reach of meetings and training sessions. The centre will lead in the provision of education on rare dementias for families, as well as health and social care professionals.

Work on the building, a short walk from the National Hospital and the Dementia Research Centre at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, is beginning in April, with doors expected to open in spring 2026.  

More information about The National Brain Appeal’s campaign and the importance of the centre at UCL can be found here (TNBA) and here (UCL).