A dementia initiative that will include the creation of a community garden in the heart of Kirriemuir has been launched.
Dementia Friendly Kirriemuir has received more than £269,000 over three years from the Life Changes Trust to deliver a hub aimed at raising awareness, changing attitudes and promoting inclusion for people living with the condition.
It will be based in Angus Council’s former Access office, with nearby land being transformed into a sensory and dementia-friendly community garden.
The Bank Street hub will challenge stereotypes and prejudices and focus on what people with dementia can do, through awareness sessions, training and support.
It will involve businesses, community groups, schools, youth groups and public sector organisations.
Councillor Jeanette Gaul, vice- convener of Angus Council’s communities committee, said: “I am delighted to see this valuable resource established in Kirriemuir and Angus.
“It will undoubtedly play an important role in improving the wellbeing and quality of life for people who are living with dementia.
“It will help them to feel more included and less isolated and at the same time help to give them greater independence, choice and control in their lives.
“This funding from the Life Changes Trust will do precisely that it will change lives for the better.
Kirriemuir and Dean Partnership chairman Derek Marshall said: “The benefits to the people living with dementia and their carers will be invaluable.”
Dementia Friendly Kirriemuir will make use of technology and information to promote better support and understanding of dementia.
The hub will support befriending and volunteer opportunities for all ages and act as a focal point to direct people to the appropriate services.
Anna Buchanan, programme director at Life Changes Trust, said: “It is exciting to see the hard work of Kirriemuir Connections come to fruition.
“We are confident that the dementia-friendly community they are building will benefit many people living with dementia, as well as carers.
“This project also has a strong intergenerational element which will bring together the experiences of older and younger people, so they can learn about and from each other”.
Volunteers are currently being recruited and trained in support of Dementia Friendly Kirriemuir.