£465k raised to help dementia sufferers
A Loughborough charity has raised nearly £500,000 to help residents affected by dementia.
Local Co-operative MindforYou will use the funds to grow their organisation so residents can have dementia holidays.
The charity surpassed its original £450,000 community share investment goal by an extra £15,000 to a total of £465,000.
MindforYou said it is an achievement they are proud of and demonstrates the investors’ support and empathy for the dementia community.
MindforYou founder and chief executive Carol Sargent said: “I am thrilled we managed to raise just under half a million.
“Myself and everyone in the team can’t wait to make an even bigger difference to the lives of those affected by dementia.
“The pandemic has taught us all just how important holidays are, and this investment recognises that people affected by dementia deserve a holiday just as much as anyone else.”
The charity thanked its 150 investors for believing in their vision and taking the time and risk to invest in an unstable economic climate.
They raised funds through community shares, which allow residents to invest in an organisation that benefits their community.
MindforYou provides hope to people affected by dementia who need a break and feel regular holidays cannot cater to their needs.
The charity believes holidays are important for everyone’s wellbeing, especially for carers, 50 per cent of whom spend over 100 hours a week caring for loved ones with dementia, which is double the UK’s legal working limit.
Small group holidays provide a stress-free change of scenery where couples can spend quality time together with caring responsibilities removed. Experienced staff are on hand to host and personalise the holiday to suit the needs of their guests. They also provide support for the person living with dementia and their carer. The Alzheimer’s Society forecast that by 2025 there will be over one
The pandemic has taught us all just how important holidays are, and this recognises people with dementia deserve a holiday too
million people diagnosed with dementia living in the UK, with one in three caring for someone living with dementia in their lifetime.
The charity said more needs to be done to support these individuals, with social care being as underfunded as it is under-imagined.