Dementia friendly awards for groups in Moray

A number of dementia-friendly organisations and local services in Moray were recognised today as part of an innovative scheme designed to help people living with dementia.

Alzheimer Scotland and the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership have been working with local businesses and service providers to give them a better understanding of dementia and the things they can do to make a difference to people living with the condition.

Today nine groups were awarded dementia-friendly status at a ceremony at the Alzheimer Scotland Resource Centre in Elgin.

They were Moray Council’s libraries service, the council’s sport and leisure teams in Forres and Elgin, its dial-a-bus service, the council’s community safety team, community care volunteers and the adult community care commissioning team.

Other recipients were Rev Donald Prentice and the congregation of St Leonard’s Church in Forres, the Fochabers and Forres Scouts and the staff and volunteers at the In Stitches embroidery service in Elgin.

Councillor Lorna Creswell, who jointly chairs the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership said: “People with dementia sometimes need a little help to carry out their day-to-day activities. It is so encouraging that a range of organisations from public services to local businesses and faith communities, are becoming dementia friendly.”

Wendy Menzies, dementia adviser for Alzheimer Scotland, stressed the importance of the initiative.

She said: “We know that people living with dementia want to continue to use local shops, services and public transport but that they often encounter problems and simply lose confidence.

“In our ‘dementia friends’ sessions staff can see that their small changes can make a difference to someone with dementia.

“We are also delighted to be part of the Fochabers Scouts’ inter-generational work, promoting dementia awareness among the younger generation. Raising awareness in this way helps transform attitudes about dementia, reduces the stigma and enables people with dementia to be part of their local community.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the initiative or book a place on a ‘dementia friends’ session should contact Wendy Menzies on 01343 552080 or Wendy Johnston on 01343 567142.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.