How we got started
The chosen charity of the 2017 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival was Alzheimer Scotland and over £600 was raised. In 2017, Mr Iain Houston from Alzheimer Scotland gave a very interesting presentation to an open event when we passed the cheque over to Iain. At that meeting a steering group of 12 interested village members was formed and the Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly village was established and created!A great enthusiastic group from across the Lochwinnoch community have used the Prestwick Dementia Friendly community who were established a year before model as a guide to our our group. The Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village was formally launched on April the 27th in the Calder church. A fantastic turn out with lots of entertainment and fun.
We have had a number of tea dances funded by our wonderful and generous Lochwinnoch Golf Club. We have run lots of training events lead by Iain in the village and this will continue.
Our Aims
Aims of a Dementia Friendly Community
A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In a dementia-friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia, partners and family can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose. Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch aims to support people with dementia, and their families/carers, to be included and remain part of our community for as long as possible.We aim achieve this through raising awareness of dementia locally, in order to reduce stigma
We will provide education and advice to local residents and businesses. Provide practical ways to include all affected with dementia to take part and be part of the village.
Achievements so far
- Dementia Awareness Training from Iain Houston to the steering group, the local primary school, Church groups, RSPB, Castle Semple, businesses and more.
- Golf Club – Slow Golf (Troon initiative) – For further related reading this BBC Sport article discusses how golf can reduce the risks associated with dementia.
- Tea dances – there have been several which have taken place at Lochwinnoch golf club…all of which were free!
- Playlist for Life Help Point – in partnership with Renfrewshire Libraries and with key support from Roar, Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch have established the first Playlist for Life Help Point to be based in a Renfrewshire Council library.
Based in the Lochwinnoch library once per month, the Help Point will offer a ‘Cuppa Time’, which is a drop in service where visitors can have any questions they might have about making a playlist answered, over a cuppa and a biscuit. The Help Point dates will be added to our Events Program in due course, with the launch expected to be in October.
Future developments
- Continued training, individuals (carers) and groups
- Film shows
- Reminiscence provision
- Tea dances and social events to keep carers and dementia sufferers in the community
- Encourage businesses to make premises dementia friendly
- Befriending for carers
- Networking with other dementia friendly communities
- Local day centre and support group
- Start a befriending scheme and holding ‘down memory lane’ sessions. Provoking memories of the childhood, going dancing, football, fashion down the decades, and music etc.
- Various activities to increase mind activity e.g. knitting, art classes etc.
- Picture shows
- Sing along events
- And many more!
Check out our Events Program for upcoming dates for your diary!
