Dementia befriending scheme

A NEW befriending scheme for dementia patients has received a funding boost to the tune of £105,000.

The project, which is administered by Voluntary Action Shetland, is the latest recipient of funding from the Life Changes Trust.

The befriending scheme matches up dementia sufferers with volunteers to help them be more active in the Shetland community.

It aims to boost their confidence and wellbeing, as well as motivating them to take part in activities.

Project co-ordinator Lynn Tulloch said it was “fantastic” to receive the funding.

In February the charity was given £108,000 from the BBC’s Children In Need Appeal for its befriending scheme for young people with learning disabilities.

“We will build on our current befriending service to support those with dementia to continue to connect with their local community by engaging in activities that will be positive, stimulating and purposeful,” Tulloch said.

It is estimated that around 90,000 people in Scotland have dementia, with that figure predicted to double by 2038.

The Life Changes Trust, which is backed by a Big Lottery Fund endowment of £50 million, aims to improve the lives of people affected by dementia, as well as young people who have experience of being in care.