Projects receive a boost for community-led dementia work
Three projects in Argyll and Bute have received grants to support the growth of community-led work for people living with dementia, their carers and family members.
Islay and Jura Senior Citizens’ Association and Bowmore Lunch Club have received partnership funding of £19,080 to provide accessible and inclusive activities and events for older people with lived experience of dementia, as well as training for volunteers to extend their knowledge of the condition.
Cowal Elderly Befrienders have received £20,000 to help them work with people with a dementia diagnosis in Cowal and Bute and enable them to access and deliver a social support service designed to help people maintain their independence, develop social skills and stay involved in their communities.
A £13,800 grant will help Developing Potential in Oban expand its support for people living with dementia by building on their activities, providing necessary transport and community links to ensure no one is excluded, as well as recruiting additional volunteers.
The organisations are three of 12 projects which have been awarded funding through the second strand of the Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity (ESGA) Fund.
It aims to address gaps in support for people living with dementia and unpaid carriers, break down barriers to accessing support and empower those who are ill to live well within their communities. Robin Miller, project co-ordinator at Cowal Elderly Befrienders, said: “Age Scotland’s Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity Fund will make an enormous difference to the support we are able to offer in south-west Argyll.
“We will be able to employ new staff and engage with greater numbers of people affected by dementia.
“We have greatly appreciated the support, training and information from Age Scotland in the last few years, particularly in regard to dementia.
“We are very much looking forward to working with them on our project in 2024.”
Age Scotland’s head of dementia, Dr Kainde Manji, added: “We’re delighted to be able to support these projects through this round of grant funding. The work of community-led organisations is absolutely life-changing for people living with dementia, their families and carers – playing a vital role in ensuring they feel supported in their communities.
“We look forward to seeing the funding in action and are confident it will have a positive impact for people affected by dementia across Argyll and Bute.”