Oct 4, 2013

West Lothian dementia cafes given £40,000 boost 10:16, 4 Oct 2013 West Lothian Council award money from their Challenge Fund to groups across the community. Shares Get daily news by email Dementia cafes in West Lothian are set to benefit from a £40,000 funding boost from West Lothian Council’s Challenge Fund. Two other groups, the Red Cross and The Murieston 50+ Group, are also set to receive a share of a £42,500 funding package. The funding recommendations put forward were approved by the Council Executive this week. The projects were submitted to the Senior Peoples Forum Sub Group who recommended the funding from the Challenge Fund. Anne McMillan, Executive councillor for health and care, said: “The Challenge Fund is designed to support projects and initiatives which directly benefit and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable older people.” She added: “There are nine Dementia Cafes in West Lothian and the cash will be spent over two years to enable the Dementia Cafes to further establish themselves at locations across the county. “With ongoing input required to train volunteers, and provide advice on the more challenging and complex issues, this funding will aid the Dementia Cafes which aim to support people with dementia who are living at home, and their carers.” People attending Dementia Cafes can choose to participate in activities and entertainment as well as access information, support and advice. The cafe’s also provide invaluable support to family carers. The Murieston 50+ Group will receive £1,000 from the Fund and £1,500 will go to the Red Cross. The Murieston 50+ Group has a membership of over 70 people and intends to use the funds to engage with speakers and musicians to provide entertainment, all with a view to enabling members to remain mentally, physically and socially active. The Red Cross charity will use their share of the funds to purchase 10 wheelchairs to lend out to West Lothian residents who are currently housebound due to age, ill health or injury.