CALA Homes (North) has donated £550 to Alzheimer Scotland, providing equipment to help support the organisations reminiscence group in Aberdeen.
Providing help and support to those affected by dementia, the group supports friends, family, the general public and professionals who deal with patients on a daily basis. The donation was made as part of the housebuilder’s £10,000 community bursary scheme which was launched last year to mark 140 years since the company was established as the City of Aberdeen Land Association.
Offering a variety of support and interest groups including Home Support, Carer Support, and Football Memories, the funds donated will cover the cost of an an I-pod, docking station and CD’s for use in the Music Reminiscence group.
Located in the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre, Alzheimer Scotland is based in a dementia friendly building showcasing the environmental adaptations and telecare options available to enable people to live well with dementia.
Alan Whitelaw, project manager for CALA Homes, presented the cheque at the dedicated centre in Aberdeen city centre.
Alan said: “Alzheimer Scotland is fantastic service within the North which demonstrates the importance of recreational activities such as music in aiding stimulation of memories within dementia.
“The organisation has many inspirational stories of how locals have found the classes a real support and even discovered hidden talents they hadn’t realised they had.
“It was a pleasure to meet members of the charity and hear more about the great work they do in the area.”
Dementia advisor at Alzheimer Scotland, Sarah Geoghegan said: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity from CALA Homes in supporting people affected by dementia in the area. It will make a real difference to people attending our groups, giving them the opportunity to access therapeutic activities which can 'stimulate memories and improve their wellbeing.
“Alzheimer Scotland provides services across Scotland to help people living with dementia, live as well as possible with condition. Whether it’s information and advice, personalised support services, or activities in the community, Alzheimer Scotland helps people across the country cope with their illness.”
The CALA Homes (North) community bursary will support 12 different charities and community groups across Aberdeen and the surrounding area this year by funding vital equipment and services. Beneficiaries include Grampian MS Therapy Centre, Grampian Deaf Children's Society, Aberdeen Science Centre, and SensationalALL.