AN INNOVATIVE SCHEME designed to help people in Moray living with dementia is being used by 29 groups in the region – will all of them recognised in a ceremony this week.
Alzheimer Scotland have joined with the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership to work with businesses and service providers to give a better understanding of dementia – and what they can do to make a difference.
The ceremony this week at the Alzheimer Scotland resource centre in Elgin recognised the efforts of the Moray Council Library Service, sport and leisure teams in Forres and Elgin, the dial-a-bus service, community safety team and community care volunteers.
Also acknowledged for their efforts were to adult community care commissioning team, the Rev Donald Prentice and the congregation of St Leonard’s Church in Forres, the Fochabers and Forres Scouts and the staff and volunteers at the In Stitches embroidery service in Elgin.
Councillor Lorna Creswell, who jointly chairs the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership said: “People with dementia sometimes need a little help to carry out their day-to-day activities.
“It is so encouraging that a range of organisations from public services to local businesses and faith communities, are becoming dementia friendly.”
Wendy Menzies, dementia adviser for Alzheimer Scotland, stressed the importance of the initiative, saying: “We know that people living with dementia want to continue to use local shops, services and public transport but that they often encounter problems and simply lose confidence.
“In our ‘dementia friends’ sessions staff can see that their small changes can make a difference to someone with dementia.
“We are also delighted to be part of the Fochabers Scouts’ inter-generational work, promoting dementia awareness among the younger generation.
“Raising awareness in this way helps transform attitudes about dementia, reduces the stigma and enables people with dementia to be part of their local community.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about the initiative or book a place on a ‘dementia friends’ session should contact Wendy Menzies on 01343 552080 or Wendy Johnston on 01343 567142.