New Highland Dementia Resource Centre opens in Inverness!

Alzheimer Scotland has officially opened its brand new Dementia Resource Centre at 2 Strothers Lane in Inverness, conveniently located between the bus station and train station. The launch was attended by key representatives from NHS Highland and Highland Council, as well as high profile dementia awareness activists Nancy McAdam (a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group) and Ann Pascoe (from Alzheimer Scotland’s National Dementia Carers Action Network).  

 “This is an absolutely fantastic resource and Alzheimer Scotland is to be applauded for their tireless efforts to raise the profile of dementia and provide support.  This will be a vital local point of contact for people with dementia, their families and friends in the Inverness and the surrounding area.  There is no question that having such a central location will raise the profile of dementia and help reach and support many more people.”

Chair of NHS Highland, Garry Coutts (who officially opened the Centre, along with Convener of Highland Council, Jimmy Gray)

There are almost 4,000 people with dementia in the Highland Council area and this figure is set to double within a generation.

Linking in with Alzheimer Scotland’s local Dementia Advisors, Dementia Link workers and our network of services across the Highlands (including specialist day care service at Woodlands), the Resource Centre will be a source of  information and advice, while also promoting early diagnostic care and support.  It will offer the potential for dementia specific drop-in sessions, activities and interest groups, as well as carer groups and information on dementia-specific personalised support services.  It will display volunteering opportunities and provide much needed space for social  activities for people with dementia, their families including carer groups. Carer awareness, training and self-management courses will also be delivered from the Dementia Resource Centre.

“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 at the heart of Inverness will be a strong community hub offering information, advice, practical support and a wonderful, welcoming space for people living with dementia – in Inverness and beyond.”

 Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland