PEOPLE living with dementia in Fife and the Borders are set to benefit from £150,000 in funding.
The money from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery will be used to create two new Befriending initiatives.
These will help deliver supportive services for families affected by dementia to help improve emotional health and social well-being.
Comedian Craig Hill was on hand to present Alzheimer Scotland with the charity award.
He said: “The effects that dementia can have on a family are far reaching.
“This is fantastic news for families across the country as this will open so many doors.
“The befriending projects will help so many people to feel less alone and more positive about day to day life. Well done players of the People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting such a worthwhile initiative which will help so many people.”
Dementia affects over 90,000 people in Scotland, with numbers expected to rise to over a million across the whole of the UK by 2020.
Alzheimer Scotland, Scotland’s leading dementia organisation, is working across communities to help raise vital funds for support services.
These include the 24-hour Freephone National Dementia Helpline, Dementia Advisors, dementia resource centres across Scotland and the dementia research centre based at the University of Edinburgh.
Catherine Thomas, Head of Fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Everyone at Alzheimer Scotland gratefully welcomes this funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“It is our mission to ensure that nobody should face dementia alone, so the creation of a network of trained volunteers will enable us to provide regular contact for people living with dementia, build confidence, provide opportunities for new interests and involvement, and enable them to widen their social networks.”
A minimum of 30% goes to charities when players sign up for the People’s Postcode Lottery, which has raised over £175 million for good causes across the country.
Players have awarded Alzheimer’s Scotland and Alzheimer’s Society £1.5million altogether.
Clara Govier, Head of Charities from the People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “We are so proud that our players are helping to roll out this fantastic service across Scotland. The Befriending projects are so essential to people living with dementia.”
If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org
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