Big Lottery Fund Success for Agewell
Agewell is delighted to confirm that it has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund for a new 3-year project to support older people in Sandwell who are in the early stages of dementia.
Delivered by Agewell in partnership with fellow Community Interest Company, Dementia Pathfinders, Kingfisher Buddies will provide that vital support, information and guidance that is so often lacking both pre and post diagnosis and deliver a range of appropriate and meaningful weekly activities to help improve the quality of life for local people in the early stages of dementia, as well as their carers.
“Seeking and receiving a diagnosis of dementia is a frightening time for both the person themselves and their loved ones,” explains Agewell CEO Deb Harrold. “It’s difficult to know where to turn to for support and you can feel that you are just left on your own to worry and wait.
“Our aim through Kingfisher Buddies is to be there to provide the advice and support needed to take it all in, to guide families through what can be done now to better prepare for the future and to encourage individuals and their carers to take part in an enjoyable weekly activity that will help them get on with their life.”
Agewell and Dementia Pathfinders already have lots of ideas for the types of weekly activities they’d like to deliver. They are keen to share these with those who have recently been diagnosed with dementia and their carers so they can hear what they think and adjust their plans accordingly.
Anyone interested in getting involved will be invited to join the Kingfisher Buddies team at one of Agewell’s popular monthly forums for older people held in each of the six towns in Sandwell. Please register your interest by giving us a call on 0121 796 9333 or email: info@agewelluk.org.uk