A new centre has been officially opened in Arbroath to support people living with dementia and their carers.
Alzheimer Scotland’s new Dementia Resource Centre for Arbroath was described as a “clear signal that people with dementia and their carers have an important place right at the centre of communities up and down the country”.
The opening of the High Street centre took place during Dementia Awareness Week and was attended by Angus provost Helen Oswald; Councillor Glennis Middleton, chair of Angus health and social care integration joint board; Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, Henry Simmons; and Alzheimer Scotland convener John Laurie.
Mrs Oswald said: “This is a fantastic facility for the people of Arbroath that will be a great help to people with dementia and their families.
“It’s important to know that there is help and support out there if you or your loved one has dementia.
“This centre will be an ideal place for people across Arbroath and the surrounding areas to access for information and support.”
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, the centre will provide a drop-in service for anyone seeking information and advice about dementia and will stage monthly ‘tea and blether’ local events.
People will be encouraged to come in and talk about dementia, to discuss what help is available and also to help reduce the social stigma attached to the condition.
Going forward the centre will develop a full programme of support, activities and groups, including carer support and education.
In addition, the building has been refurbished to encompass many dementia-friendly features and is designed to offer practical examples of ideas to maintain independent living for individuals and families living with dementia.
Local couple Glenys Will and husband Ken will be supported by the centre and they added their support to yesterday’s opening.
Glenys said: “Alzheimer Scotland have been a wonderful support to myself and Ken.
“This new Centre means that even more people like us will be able to get the support we need here in Arbroath.”
Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said Arbroath has been “hugely supportive and understanding” of Alzheimer Scotland’s aim to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“Our new centre will be a hub for people seeking support and information about dementia,” he said.
“I would also like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has made this opening a reality – the generosity of our supporters is what makes our vital work across the country possible.”
Dementia is one of Scotland’s most pressing public health and social care issues.
Over 90,000 people live with the condition and countless partners, family members and friends are also affected.
Anyone who wants to talk about dementia should call Alzheimer Scotland’s freephone 24 Helpline on 0808 808 3000.
