Dunbar Dementia Network SCIO

The sun was shining this week for 3 group members while planting shrubs in memory of their loved ones, at The Backlands.  Due to current restrictions folks obviously had to do this individually, but we all look forward to watching the shrubs grow, and to see them flower in the Spring. Anne chose a red azalea for Ronnie, while Hazel and Terry & Fiona opted for rhododendrons – red for John, and deep pink for Gwen. May they be nurtured and thrive in this beautiful spot. Our thanks, once again, to Karell and Richard at The Backlands for making this possible.❤️

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.

Thanks to the Co op Community Fund (of which we were a beneficiary last year), Dunbar Dementia Network have been able to distribute jigsaws and arts & craft materials to group members confined to home during the current pandemic.

Thank you to all who nominated DDN as their chosen charity.  You have brought a wee bit of joy to many households.

IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, IT IS WITH MUCH REGRET THAT OUR WEEKLY CARERS GROUP MEETINGS HELD ON WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY IN THE BLEACHINGFIELD CENTRE, HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

HOWEVER, WE WILL CONTINUE TO CHAT AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER OVER THE TELEPHONE,  AND LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING UP AGAIN AS SOON AS WE CAN.  FOR ANY ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lorna Bunney, Group Co ordinator on 01620 870632 or email dunbardementiacarers@gmail.com