Alzheimer Scotland is benefiting from grant-funding from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) as it launches a new community project to help support people living with advanced dementia across the Western Isles.
Scotland's leading dementia organisation received £6,750 from SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund to provide a circle of support for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The ceilidhhome project is delivered in the home with vital support from Alzheimer Scotland volunteers, connecting people who are living with dementia and their families to their communities.
Marion MacInnes, Alzheimer Scotland Western Isles, Service Manager, said:
"We are thrilled that we have been awarded the opportunity to develop ceilidhhome to help support people living with advanced dementia who for many reasons are now unable to attend our local supports in the community. The project tackles the issue of social isolation and wellbeing and aims to provide a positive and uplifting experience for all those who take part."
"The main focus of ceilidhhome is to try to reach out to people living with dementia in the advanced stages and their families in a more creative way. When it becomes clear that people living with dementia can no longer access the wide range of activities and services that we offer in the community, this new project will be offered to the individual and family with the activity taking place in the comfort of their own home."
SSEN is urging communities across the north of Scotland to apply for funding of up to £20,000 before the closing date on Thursday 23 May. The 2019 fund is particularly focused on projects helping vulnerable or isolated people living in SSEN's network areas.
Pamela Harvey, Customer Relationship Manager for SSEN's Highlands and Islands region, said:
"Building strong relationships and partnerships with local organisations, charities and community groups is vital to help us power our community. We are delighted our Resilient Communities Fund has enabled Alzheimer Scotland Lewis and Harris to launch the ceilidhhome project and hope this provides some positive support for people living with dementia, connecting them with their local communities across the islands."
Guidelines and applications forms, along with a full report on the fund, are available on SSEN's website here - https://www.ssen.co.uk/RCF/.
Full lists of recipients from SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund for 2018 / 2019 can be viewed here.
To check who your network operator is and to see if you would be eligible for funding through SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund, please visit ssen.co.uk/whoismynetworkoperator.