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Alzheimer Scotland has officially opened its new Kelso Dementia Resource Centre. The centre, located on Bridge Street will serve as a community hub to support and connect people living with dementia and their carers and families across the Scottish Borders.
Provost Dean Weatherston joined Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive Henry Simmons, resource centre staff, local volunteers and people living with dementia and their carers, to officially open the new centre.
Joining the Provost to officially open the Dementia Resource Centre with a ribbon cutting, was local dementia support advocate Jim Sykes, who has been committed to raising awareness and support for people living with dementia within the Scottish Borders for many years.
Previously offering supports from Kelso Community Hospital, the newly established Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre aims to bring dementia to the high street by providing a stimulating and sociable environment for people living with dementia, their families and carers to access information, advice and support.
Provost Dean Weatherston, Kelso Community Council, said: “This new facility in Kelso offers a lively and relaxed environment to provide support and advice, as well as a range of stimulating activities for everyone to enjoy. Knowing the work that Alzheimer Scotland undertake, I trust the centre will continue to help people living with dementia to adjust and cope with their new challenges, as well as helping them feel included in their community, so they can continue to live full, rewarding lives.”
Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are committed to providing the best possible standard of information, activities and support to people with dementia and those who care for them, in the heart of the local community. Our new Dementia Resource Centre is a bright, welcoming and easily-accessible community hub, dedicated to ensuring that nobody has to face dementia alone.
“Alzheimer Scotland would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported today’s opening. The ongoing generosity of our supporters is what makes our vital work possible, both here in the Scottish Borders and across Scotland.”
Kelly Brown, Locality Resources Coordinator from the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre in Kelso, added: “The local community have really embraced and welcomed our new Borders team and Dementia Resource Centre. We continue to hear about people living with dementia and their carers being unsure about what to expect following a diagnosis of dementia and we are honoured to be able to provide advice and an enabling support across the Scottish Borders.”
The newly created Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre provides a comfortable environment where people with dementia, families and friends can meet up and access information and advice locally. Activities and supports now available to the community include a Befriender Dementia Café and Befriender opportunities locally, Carer Groups and opportunities for individuals and local businesses to access the national Dementia Friends Scotland programme which aims to raise awareness of dementia to help create a dementia-friendly Scotland.
Moira Carlyle, a local carer, added: “The new Dementia Resource Centre one Bridge Street is in an ideal position being on the high street. It makes you aware it's there and you can pop in anytime for a chat or information. This is ideal when you need help and support.”
Alzheimer Scotland would like to warmly thank all who came along and contributed to the opening of our Kelso Dementia Resource Centre, and who took the time to make the day special. Find out more about support in your area.