A grant to Milly’s Foundation from the Pargiter Trust has enabled volunteers, carers and caregivers in Alderney to receive free professional Dementia Awareness training.
Milly’s Foundation applied to the Guernsey Community Foundation for a Pargiter Trust grant. Milly’s Foundation was set up to develop Dementia services for Alderney residents in the face of increasing incidences of dementia in a population where a third of people are now aged over 65 years.
The Guernsey Community Foundation distributes funds locally on behalf of the UK-based Pargiter Trust. The grants are aimed at supporting people who work with and assist disadvantaged older people in the Bailiwick.
Milly’s Foundation used its grant of £3,500 to fund professional Dementia Awareness training during the first ever Dementia Awareness week in Alderney.
‘The professional trainers were successful in bringing to the fore an awareness ofdementia in the community as well providing training to the professionals, public and volunteers,’ said Colin Williams, Founder of Milly’s Foundation which is named after his late wife Milly who suffered from the disease.
‘The aim of our first Dementia Awareness Week was to create a better understanding of this disease, to dispel common myths, remove the stigma and help Alderney become a dementia-friendly community,’ he said.
‘In a dementia-friendly community sufferers can live independently as long as possible, continue to be part of their community and are met with understanding and given support when they need it, and that also applies to their family and carers.’
Around 100 people undertook the training across Dementia Awareness Week. In addition, there was a drop-in hub at The Albert House for people to pop in find out more about Dementia and Dementia Services in Alderney.
Money from the grant is also being used to fund a lunch club providing afternoon respite for carers, whilst those they care for with dementia are provided with activities at the new day centre at the Connaught Care Home.
