A funding injection will help local people living with dementia to access tailored exercise classes, gardening, and creative arts sessions.
The McCarthy & Stone Foundation, an independent charity that provides grants to non-profit organisations improving the lives of people later in life, has awarded £7,500 in funding to a local Birmingham charity. This donation will support those living with dementia and their carers, as well as enabling the charity to continue its valuable work in the community.
Dementia Grant Programme
The funding has been distributed through the foundation’s annual Dementia Grant Programme, which provides grants to grassroots organisations delivering vital local dementia support services. This programme is specifically designed to strengthen community-based support and ensure smaller organisations can continue delivering essential services to those affected by dementia.
Allens Cross Community Association
Allens Cross Community Association supports older people with dementia to keep connected and engaged with their local community. The charity provides a lunch club for those aged more than 65 twice a week, offers pastoral care and has created a safe space for participants to socialise and improve their wellbeing.
This donation will enable the charity to provide expanded dementia-friendly services and activities, including exercise classes, creative arts, reminiscence therapy and gardening. These sessions will help to reduce participants’ stress and support their cognitive function.
Comments from trustees
Teresa Hussey, chair of trustees at Allens Cross Community Association, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to receive this support from the McCarthy & Stone Foundation. This funding will help us enhance the activities and services we provide for older people living with dementia, creating more opportunities for them to stay active, social and connected. It will also enable us to offer a wider range of dementia-friendly sessions, from exercise and creative activities to reminiscence and gardening, helping to support wellbeing, encourage participation and improve quality of life for those who attend.”
Andrew Burrett, trustee at the McCarthy & Stone Foundation, added: “Small charities and community groups play an essential role in supporting people living with dementia and the families and carers around them. We know unrestricted funding is particularly valuable, as it enables them to respond flexibly to the needs of the people they support. Through our Dementia Grant Programme, we are proud to help these organisations continue providing compassionate, life-changing services within their local communities.”
Location: Northfield, Birmingham
