Double funding boost for dementia charity

More than £13,000 has been raised as 227 people took part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk at Strathclyde Park.
Alzheimer Scotlands mascot leads the way at Strathclyde Park.Alzheimer Scotlands mascot leads the way at Strathclyde Park.
Alzheimer Scotlands mascot leads the way at Strathclyde Park.

This was the second year that a series of memory walks took place across Scotland to raise funds for the dementia charity.

Arlene Crockett, policy and engagement manager, said: “It was an emotional day, but also a day where people wanted to celebrate and remember those living with dementia.

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“We had generations of families walking together, as well as colleagues in health, social work and the voluntary sector.

“At the moment we have taken in over £13,000 which is fantastic. We expect this to increase in the next few weeks, so thanks to everyone!”

Alzheimer Scotland has received a further boost after its new volunteer Buddying scheme for people with dementia in Lanarkshire was awarded £105,000 by the Life Changes Trust.

This funding will provide reminiscence therapy sessions from trained volunteer befrienders, to people at all stages of living with dementia, within their own homes.

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The sessions cover a broad range of reminiscence subjects, from sport and local heritage to working life or cultural changes, and are tailored specifically to each individual.

The therapy sessions can also support improvements in the well-being of people with dementia, with a positive effect on their confidence to make more connections outside the family unit.

Stuart Robertson, service manager of Alzheimer Scotland’s Lanarkshire service, said: “I’m extremely pleased that the Life Changes Trust are supporting our one-to-one reminiscence activities for people in their own homes.

“Reminiscence work has great therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia and we are very happy that we can now support more people in this way.”

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Claire Lightowler, chairwoman of the Life Changes Trust dementia programme committee, added: “We already know anecdotally about the benefits of initiatives like befriending.

“By supporting the effective evaluation of this service we will help to contribute to a better understanding about the impact of befriending for individuals and society.”

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