Dementia scheme reaches national finals

Date: 
Monday, 5 September, 2016

 

An innovative project designed to improve the lives of people with dementia has reached the finals of a national award.

PRESENT, an initiative of the East Dunbartonshire Dementia Network, has been announced as a finalist in the Best Community Support Initiative category of Scotland’s Dementia Awards.

More than 2,000 people are living with dementia in East Dunbartonshire and for every person with the condition, another four people are affected by it.

PRESENT is a co-production partnership that promotes the abilities of people with dementia so that they have the opportunity to contribute to their community. Using a café based model, the Dementia Network created informal, shared spaces to allow honest exchanges about what life is like with dementia.

This work was supported by partners, the national Joint Improvement Team and Governance International, who work around the world promoting co-production approaches.

Councillor Michael O’Donnell, Social Care Convener for East Dunbartonshire Council, said, “This nomination is excellent news and very well-deserved for everyone involved. I am delighted that the huge amount of dementia work that is going on locally is being recognised.”

Karen Murray, Chief Officer of the East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, added, “PRESENT has delivered a range of solutions using the knowledge and skills of people who have dementia, from walking groups and inter-generational community cafés to a dedicated dementia website. For more information about PRESENT, or dementia, please visit the Dementia Network website at www.eddn.org.uk.”

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