A £1 million investment over two years will fund work with people with dementia and their families to design and shape the support they need following diagnosis.
The funding, part of the SNP Government’s £120 million Mental Health Recovery and Renewal fund, will involve Age Scotland to enhance support giving people a bigger say in what works for them.
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on people with dementia across North Ayrshire and Scotland. Through this partnership with Age Scotland, the SNP Government will grow the community support that has been so critical to people and their families during this time.
Early investment will be focused on building community capacity with a small grant programme, with a broader community grant programme to follow in the second year.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“As someone whose mother has dementia, I have seen first hand how difficult the last two years have been for her – and for us as a family.
“People with dementia and their families need additional flexible support and investment to help address some of the particular challenges they are facing.
“I’m pleased that the SNP Government is investing an extra £1 million to help reduce the impact, in line with the Dementia and COVID Action Plan. This will enable more local people and communities to design and shape the support they need.”
Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to deliver this funding, which will support the development of dementia-friendly communities across Scotland.
“The pandemic has compounded challenges faced by people living with dementia and their unpaid carers. This funding will help address some of these challenges by shaping communities that work for those who have lived experience of dementia.
“Our role is to bring the voices of carers and people living with dementia to the forefront as plans are developed, ensuring those voices are heard at every stage of the design and delivery process. By doing so, we can build communities that truly support and empower people living with dementia and those who care for them.”
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