Funding for dementia support

COMMUNITY groups in Shetland are being invited to apply for a share of funding to develop projects which support people living with dementia.

A total of £30,000 has been made available from the national Integrated Care Fund to go towards local projects in areas such as reminiscence, art/hobby sessions and dementia cafes.

The fund is especially aimed for projects that will build on existing services, particularly in rural areas.

Simon Bokor-Ingram, NHS Shetland’s director of community health and social care, said the local health board is keen to invite community groups to develop dementia support through the isles.

“We’re aware that there’s a lot of good work going on at the moment in Shetland in this area, but we’d very much like to encourage smaller, community-based schemes, and this money could go a long way to help support those,” he said.

“This could help new projects get off the ground, or support existing ones, and while it is one-off funding, we’re very happy to give advice and support to anyone wishing to continue their work.”

Bokor-Ingram and dementia services manager Alan Murdoch will be at Lerwick’s Market House between 2pm and 4pm on Friday 7 October to speak to anyone interested in applying, either in person or on the phone via 01595 743 900.