Evanton and Gairloch dementia projects backed by Age Scotland
TWO Ross-shire groups have benefited from funding boosts for projects supporting community led work for people living with dementia, their carers and family members.
The organisations are five of 27 projects awarded funding through the third year of Age Scotland’s dementia ‘Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity Fund’.
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This year has seen the largest allocation to date totalling £349,393, distributed throughout Scotland, reflecting the fund’s growing popularity.
These grants have been enabled by the Scottish Government.
The fund aims to address gaps in support for people living with dementia and unpaid carers, break down barriers to support, and empower people to live well within their communities.
The five successful projects, who’s awards total £78,377, are:
Evanton Wood Company
Gairloch Museum
Badenoch Shinty Memories
Befrienders Highland
Rag Tag and Textile LTD
Adrian Clark from Evanton Wood Company, said: “The Friday Futures group is delighted that Age Scotland has funded our programme, run by Evanton Wood Company. The participants love these sessions and are the highlights of their weeks. The funding allows us to bring a wide array of creative people to work with us.”
Sarah Wright from Gairloch Museum, said: “Our Whatever the Weather Wednesday programme offers a supported and inclusive opportunity for people to come together to enjoy reminiscing, a social lunch and traditional board games. We are grateful to Age Scotland for granting us the funding to continue this vital work.”
John Mackenzie from Badenoch Shinty Memories, said: “As a founding member and former chair, I feel hugely privileged and indebted to the ESGA Grants Programme for their considerations, assessments and award in support of our community undertakings in relation to dementia, together with remoteness and isolation.
“This support will be widely welcomed by our project officer and volunteers allowing us to continue offering support in the Badenoch communities throughout the coming year.”
Judith Robertson, from Befrienders Highland said: “Befrienders Highland is delighted to receive our grant from Age Scotland for our dementia befriending service in the Highlands of Scotland. In this most rural of areas our network of fantastic volunteers provide weekly one-to-one calls and visits with people across the region.
“The funds we are getting will ensure the service continues to give support and friendship to people with dementia and to get this feedback about the impact our volunteers and the service has.”
Anna Clements, head of dementia at Age Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce the recipients of our third round of ESGA funding, bringing our total investment in community-led dementia support to over £1 million. This year we made a conscious effort to ensure a broad spread of grant holders across Scotland, particularly in rural areas where access to support can be more challenging.
“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding which helps people living with dementia, their carers, and families stay connected and supported in their communities. From towns and cities to islands and remote areas, these organisations play a vital role in empowering people to live well with dementia.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Government for their continued support, which allows us to address crucial gaps in care and ensure that more communities across Scotland can benefit from this vital funding.”
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