Wiltshire
Grants to charities, Later life inclusion
Alzheimer’s Support
Alzheimer’s Support received a grant of £90,000 to help people with dementia to overcome social isolation.
This grant will help over 600 people in Wiltshire, including dementia patients and their families.
Creating Connections
This grant will help fund more than 40 community groups – including singing, art, exercise, and gardening groups – set up under the charity’s Creating Connections programme. Creating Connections aims to help provide meaningful activities, which help participants retain skills and spark friendships.
The groups deliver therapeutic benefits to those with dementia, but also offer a chance to socialise and relax. They also signpost to additional support, including information on benefits and other financial help.
Reaching the most isolated people
People with dementia in large rural counties like Wiltshire are often particularly difficult to reach. The high cost of living in isolated communities, combined with poor transport links means that poorer families face particular problems.
With 21.5 per cent, compared with the national average of 19.4 per cent, Wiltshire has a higher-than-average population of people aged over 65. It is estimated that there will be more than 9,000 people in Wiltshire living with dementia by 2025.
Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire CEO Babs Harris said:
We’re very grateful to Wiltshire Freemasons for their generous grant that will secure the future of our much-needed and much-loved community groups. We can now plan and move forward in meeting the needs of local people living with dementia.
