New Dementia Resource Centre opens in Dumfries
Posted 23 October, 2012
Thursday 18 October saw the official opening of Alzheimer Scotland’s brand new Dementia Resource Centre in Dumfries. The opening was attended by local MSP Elaine Murray and Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, Henry Simmons. David Couch, whose wife attends the day care service (and both of them participate in the singing group) also attended, along with major donors towards the centre, local volunteers and staff.
The Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre will be an asset to our region, helping people with dementia and their families. It will provide an invaluable service, with day and night care services, advice and information services and crucially provide social activities which aim to reduce isolation. Elaine Murray, MSP for Dumfriesshire
There are over 3,000 people with dementia in Dumfries & Galloway and this figure is set to double within a generation.
The Dementia Resource Centre is a great facility and will help tremendously in dealing with what is a growing challenge in Dumfries and Galloway. At a time when we are looking to integrate our response to adult health and social care needs in Scotland, the opening of the centre provides a fantastic opportunity for our Council’s Social Work Services, health services, and Alzheimer Scotland to work together locally to help people affected by dementia and their families. Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Social Work Services Committee - Dumfries and Galloway Council
The new Dementia Resource Centre will be used in a variety of ways to increase the local support opportunities available to people with dementia. It will run day and evening care services, therapeutic activities, carer support and education, peer support groups, self-management courses and training for staff and health care workers. It will also provide an advice and information service.
The Centre will also be used to develop new activities such as exercise groups, football reminiscence activities, singing groups, a café and baking/cooking groups. Such activities are vital in reducing the social isolation of people affected by dementia; providing a relaxed social environment and an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to meet others in the same situation. It will also display volunteering opportunities and be a resource for other organisations and Alzheimer Scotland services in the region.
We believe that no-one should have to face dementia on their own and that anyone affected by the illness should be able to find help quickly and easily. Our new Dementia Resource Centre in Dumfries will be a strong community hub offering information, advice, practical support and a wonderful, welcoming space for people living with dementia – in the town and beyond.
Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland