£40,000 Boost for Dementia Care in the Capital

The Eric Liddell Centre today announced support of over £40,000 towards the services it offers to support people with dementia.

The Centre’s new dementia befriending programme received funding of £36,000 from the Dementia Engagement Empowerment Project (DEEP), the Robertson Trust, and the Life Changes Trust. The programme gives people with dementia a voice and through the various activities available in the centre, they are encouraged to give feedback, using a range of methods such as structured questionnaires, voting and focus groups, to bring out the voices of people with dementia. People with dementia also have access to interactive poetry, collaborative art, a drop-in café and the new sensory room.

The dementia day care service, which aims to supporting people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible while reducing isolation and promoting independence, received £5,000 Edinburgh Academy Junior School. Staff and students visited the centre to see the effects of dementia and how it impacts people’s lives.

Commenting on the funding, John MacMillan, Chief Executive of the Eric Liddell Centre said:

“We are delighted to have attracted support from Edinburgh Academy Junior School and DEEP, the Robertson Trust, and the Life Changes Trust. Dementia is a big part of what the centre does and through generous funding and donations we can keep innovating within the services we provide. The additional funding raised by pupils is greatly appreciated as I know how committed they are to making a positive impact on the issue of dementia.

“We know from the feedback from those who use our services that every single penny makes a difference to the lives of people with dementia and their carers and that has to be a positive reflection of what communities can do for their local people.”

The Head teacher of the Edinburgh Academy Gavin Calder said:

“We at the Edinburgh Academy have been delighted to be able to support the vital work carried out by the Eric Liddell Centre. Dementia is something that touches so many lives and hopefully the new project and Sensory Room will go some way to giving some relief and enjoyment to those affected by this.

“Our children and staff felt privileged to be able to visit the centre recently to see what it was that their hard work was funding.”

Earlier this year, The Eric Liddell Centre reported a 24 per cent increase in demand for its services.