Welcome £10k funding boost for dementia project

A LOCAL project aimed at supporting the growth of community-led work for people living with dementia, their carers and family has received a welcome funding boost.

Shetland Community Connections has been awarded £10,000 by charity Age Scotland, through its encouraging and supporting grassroots activity fund for dementia.

It is one of 27 successful projects, who will share almost £350,000 between them, with grants enabled by the Scottish Government.

The project will see Shetland Community Connections expand its home visiting service, and its ‘Shared Lives Sharing Stories’ programme – where objects from the past are used for reminiscing sessions at homes around Shetland.

Shetland Community Connections’ Jane Haswell said the support of Age Scotland was “invaluable”.

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to expand our home visiting service,” she said.

“This funding means we can start offering this to more people across Shetland, which is very exciting.”

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Age Scotland’s head of dementia Anna Clements said the charity had made a “conscious effort to ensure a broad spread” of Scotland was covered by its grants, particularly “in rural areas where access to support can be more challenging”.

“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding which helps people living with dementia, their carers, and families stay connected and supported in their communities,” she said.

“From towns and cities to islands and remote areas, these organisations play avital role in empowering people to live well with dementia.”

Age Scotland said the fund aims to address gaps in support for people living with dementia and unpaid carriers, break down barriers to support, and empower people to live well within their communities.