Our Dementia Carers Support Group – How We Are Coping with Lockdown and Beyond

Oh how we are missing our weekly get togethers!  Our carefully planned Spring/Summer 2020 schedule did not even make it to the printer, as outings, celebrations and events had to be postponed or cancelled.  Who would have believed this possible when we entered 2020 full of plans and projects for the coming year?

Steps were quickly taken to maintain contact with each other: – An “Oor Pals” Newletter is regularly produced which provides essential continuity within the group, relaying important information, as well as providing a few laughs along the way!  Our Group Co-ordinator and volunteers have made weekly telephone contact with group members, and it is hoped that this contact will develop as restrictions ease, in accordance with  Scottish Government guidelines.

We have been so grateful for Co op Community Funding (awarded in 2019) which has allowed us to provide the following to our group members, in order to help alleviate the problems of isolation, stress and boredom

: provision of jigsaws, colouring books/coloured pencils/sharpeners and puzzle books

: deliveries of plants, compost and gardening materials to encourage outdoor activity

: gifting of photo books for those members who have been with us for a number of years  (We look forward to taking more photos in the future, as a record of our happy times spent together, so that photo books can be gifted to our newer members also)

As usual, so much going on behind the scenes in order to help improve group communications until we can all meet again safely.  Looking forward to it!

Grateful thanks, also to Rhona Bell of the Tasty Toasty, and Dunbar Rotary who recently funded the delivery of delicious Takeaway Afternoon Teas to group members and volunteers, to celebrate both National Volunteers Week and National Carers Week.