Dementia project wins award

The Facing Dementia Together project took the accolade for Best Community Support at Scotland’s Dementia Awards.

The project is funded by the Change Fund and is a joint initiative between East Renfrewshire CHCP and Alzheimer Scotland.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive ability which is normally, though not exclusively, associated with the ageing process.

Facing Dementia Together includes a drop-in café, family workshops, advice and practical support to help families put in place financial and legal arrangements such as powers of attorney.

The project looks to assist people in coming to terms with the diagnosis, increasing their understanding of dementia, developing their skills for coping with the symptoms and planning ahead for their future needs.

Facing Dementia Together also helps people to maintain important relationships, remain involved in social and recreational activities and still be a part of their community.

The project started out as a Scottish government pilot and, due to its success, East Renfrewshire CHCP is continuing to support the project.

The news comes as Motherwell Football Club launches its own initiative, Remember Well, to use the history of the football club to help combat dementia issues.

Councillor Allan Lafferty, convener for social work and health, said of East Ren project’s award: “Facing Dementia Together provides much-needed information, advice, signposting and emotional and practical support to help the person and their family understand and come to terms with living with dementia.

“It’s a credit to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved with Facing Dementia Together that the project has won this award.

“Facing Dementia Together is a shining example of the sterling work carried out each day by our CHCP service and partners, and the remarkable contribution that each and every person involved makes to improve the lives of others”.