STIRLING’S bid to become Scotland’s first fully dementia-friendly city has taken a giant step forward with the announcement of a £225,000 grant to boost communities for people living with dementia in and around the city.
Research by Stirling University has shown that neighbourhoods play a crucial role in supporting people with dementia to remain active and independent.
The three-year project involving the university and local partners has received the backing from the Life Changes Trust.
A statement yesterday by the university said: “The grant will fund a range of initiatives to empower people with dementia to create collaborative neighbourhood communities which help them remain socially, physically, culturally and politically active.”
Councillor Scott Farmer, leader of Stirling Council and convener of its social care and health committee said: “This is a welcome and significant development which will build on our ambitions for Stirling as a dementia-friendly city.
“We are working closely with the University of Stirling and other third-sector partners to make this a place where people with dementia are able to live sustainable, independent lives.
“This funding will enable people to be better supported in their own communities and will make a big difference to those living with dementia in our area.”
Dr Richard Ward, senior lecturer in dementia studies at the university, said: “Research shows that the neighbourhood is particularly significant to people with dementia and their carers because, following diagnosis, they spend a growing amount of time in the local environment.
“The funding for this project will allow us to show how place attachment, local connections and a shared sense of belonging can support the wellbeing, health and citizenship of people living with dementia in the local community. We’re delighted to begin rolling this out in the Forth Valley region and are grateful to the Life Changes Trust and our other partners for their continued support.”
Anna Buchanan, director of the Life Changes Trust’s dementia programme said: “Ensuring that people with dementia and their families remain included in their communities, and in society more generally, should be the new norm.
“People should not become isolated and lonely because they have been diagnosed with dementia, and yet this is often the case. We are delighted to fund this work and hope that in time it will inspire many other communities to become dementia-inclusive.”
Professor Judith Phillips, deputy principal (research) at the university, added: “This is a unique opportunity to take forward an evidence-based approach to dementia-friendly community development and for the university to contribute the expertise and knowledge that we have built over the years on dementia, care, design and the environment.”
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