As the third week of our Kindness Campaign kicks off, Graham Brown and Caroline Lindsay talk to two charities on a similar mission to The Courier
It’s the third week of The Courier’s Kindness Campaign – once again we’re urging kind-hearted readers to cut out the coupon for a free Courier in today’s paper, redeem it today, and take the paper round to someone you know is on their own, thus opening up the lines of communication.
Our campaign is backed by two more local organisations which are also focusing on the issue of loneliness and isolation.
Kirriemuir Connections
Big things are happening in the wee red town.
And the many strands of the Kirriemuir Connections drive to create a dementia-friendly community are the perfect illustration of what The Courier Kindness campaign is delighted to shine a light upon.
From awareness-raising to the development of a community garden and the pioneering expansion into north east Scotland of a sporting memories charity, Kirrie Connections has been grabbing the attention of those involved in tackling dementia nationwide, as well as vital financial support from the Life Changes Trust, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Kirrie Connections development worker Graham Galloway said: “Dementia can be a terribly isolating condition, both for those living with it, and the family and loved ones that care for them.
“Kirrie Connections offers a safe and friendly space for families living with dementia to get advice, support and companionship.
“Sometimes just sitting down to chat with someone over a cuppie can be the best therapy.
“We also work to help de-stigmatize dementia within the wider community, and have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve had for the project in Kirriemuir.”
In association with Alzheimer Scotland, the organisation has helped run awareness raising “dementia friends” sessions for everyone from Brownie packs to shop staff.
“By working to ensure the whole of Kirriemuir becomes dementia-friendly, we’re ensuring those in the community living with the condition have the best quality of life.
“If you get it right for dementia, you get it right for everyone,” said Mr Galloway.
“We’re very happy to hear about the The Courier Kindness campaign.
“Our project relies on volunteers, and it is their kindness and empathy that makes Kirrie Connections the warm, welcoming place it is.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of them, and also say that we are always up for welcoming new volunteers.
“If you are interested in volunteering, or would just like to pop in and hear a bit more about what we do, pop in for a cuppie and a chat.”
That two-way street of successful volunteering and an ambition to expand the work of the group has led to an impressive range of initiatives in the short existence of Kirrie Connections.
Its Bank Street Connections hub in the very heart of the historic burgh is the focal point for gatherings of groups such as a weekly community cooking project and another recently established in partnership with the national Sporting Memories Foundation charity.
By sharing memories of sporting moments and tapping into a passion for sport, the foundation helps people to connect with others and with their past, reawakening positive thoughts and feelings that otherwise remain hidden away.
Now up and running, it has been given the backing of Frank’s Law campaigner and local woman Amanda Kopel, who earlier this year won her battle to encourage the Scottish Government to introduce free personal care for under-65s, having suffered the tragedy of watching her ex-Dundee United footballer husband succumb to dementia in 2014.
A nearby community garden is both an oasis of tranquillity, and a place where those who may have once worked in rural Angus and the glens around Kirrie can potter around and maintain their fond relationship with the land.
Long may Kirrie Connections continue to grow.
Community Companions
Community Companions (which is part of Dundee Voluntary Action) looks to tackle loneliness and isolation by matching volunteers up with adults experiencing these feelings and creating a friendship between the two. It gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to spend some quality time with someone, whether as a volunteer or benefiting from the project. Clare Cockburn, Community Companions coordinator, says: “This has been named as the age of loneliness. Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone and the issue needs to be tackled for everyone’s sake.
“It affects a person’s mental and physical health and wellbeing and has been said to be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Society has lost the neighbourly feel to it that previous generations have enjoyed,” she continues.
Volunteers are asked to give an hour or so a week on a day and time to suit them. The project is very flexible and volunteers can give their time during the day, in the evening or at weekends.
“We try to accommodate everyone and base the project around the needs of those referred and volunteers,” says Clare.
The project has been running for three years and has had a number of successful matches. We have seen the positive impact that comes from the friendships formed with the companions and companionees.
“We at Community Companions think it’s great that The Courier is taking steps to reduce loneliness and isolation with their Kindness Campaign. What may simply be a cup of tea and a chat for one person can be a lifeline for another. Friendship really does matter and together we can make a difference.”
Community Companions is always looking for volunteers so if you think you could be a friend to someone locally then call 01382 305736 or email communitycompanions@dva.scot
