The Kirrie Connections project to create a dementia-friendly community has received significant recognition of the work being carried out locally.
The Royal Town Planning Institute is using the group’s collaboration with Angus Council and the Historic Scotland CARS project as a case study for good practice advice regarding Planning for Dementia.
Project co-ordinator Graham Galloway said; “This is a fantastic acknowledgement of the collaborative work Kirrie Connections is carrying out in the town, and of the support we have had from Angus Council and the local community in our mission to make Kirriemuir somewhere that supports and looks after everyone living with dementia.”
Kirrie Connections was set up in 2015 with funding from the Life Changes Trust, and support from the local authority.The project runs the Kirrie Connections dementia-friendly community hub in the town’s Bank Street, offering information, advice and support to people living with dementia, their carers and families.
They also run a variety of sessions in collaboration with groups such as Alzheimer Scotland and Angus Carers Centre, ranging from regular ‘tea and a blether’ drop-ins to training sessions for carers.
Mr Galloway added: “Kirrie Connections is also behind the recently completed dementia-friendly garden in Kirriemuir.
“This will be a safe, friendly, outdoor space where people living with dementia, their carers and family, as well as members of the local community, can relax and take part in gardening activities.
“The garden is now open to the public and is sited just behind the library on Rosefield Gardens.
“The group has also been involved in work in collaboration with Angus Council and the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) to reduce street clutter and provide a sympathetic approach to meeting the needs of both the historic built environment and those living in the area, particularly people living with dementia.
Kirrie’s CARS is a seven-figure, five-year project aimed at enhancing the burgh’s conservation area, which has included the transformation of dilapidated old buildings and enhancements at The Square.
Kirrie Connections are always open to suggestions for partner organisations to work with, and are actively looking for volunteers to help support both the hub and the garden projects. The hub is open 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday.
For more information contact Graham or Evelyn at the hub on 01575 573805, email kirrieconnections@gmail.com or visit kirrieconnections.co.uk.
