Workshop on dementia

The quest for Newmains to be more dementia-friendly has been launched.

The new initiative launch was held in the NCT Centre with guests treated to lunch, information stalls from a variety of agencies and a performance from Musical Memories – a choir set up for people with dementia and their carers.

NCT Centre manager Sandra Clements said: “The response to the programme has been fantastic.

“The next stage in the process is to get volunteers recruited and then set up a steering group with people with dementia and their carers.

“There is definitely a need for this type of service within the community and hopefully with the right support with help from other agencies.”

The event, which was attended by a number of dignitaries including Fortissat councillors Clare Quigley and Martin McCulloch, also heard a number of speeches including one from Tony Martin from Alzheimer Scotland.

Other organisations there included the Sporting Memories Foundation, Lanarkshire Cancer Centre, Shotts and Wishaw Friends Together and local police who were advising on the dangers of doorstep crime.

The success of the event was in no small part due to the centre’s dementia friendly co-ordinator Ray Fallon who unfortunately missed the launch due to illness.

However, centre manager Sandra was quick to pay tribute to Ray’s hard work over her first few weeks in her post.

“What we have achieved so far is testimont to Ray,” said Sandra.

“She has been a breath of fresh air since she came into the centre and has really driven this project forward.

“Her expertise in this field is well known locally and she is in this for the long haul.”