Testimonies
Below are quotes from some of our steering group on their inspiration for wishing to establish Lochwinnoch as dementia friendly village.
My reason for joining the dementia friendly group is very personal. My mother had Alzheimers and lived with me for 2 years, and during that time I was given fantastic support from Alzheimer Scotland, social work and the Carers Centre in Paisley. I wanted to give something back to the community, and perhaps help others in the same position as I was.
I know how devastating dementia can be for the sufferer, partner, family, carer and wider community . I wanted to help make our community kinder and more understanding about this terrible condition
I became involved in the Dementia Friendly Village group because I felt that it would be a very positive thing for the village. We have quite a fair proportion of elderly people here and I myself am retired and looking ahead. I think we have all been touched by the effects of the isolation and depression that elderly people can experience. If there is the added aspect of dementia then this can be very difficult for all concerned. We need to support those affected by dementia and come together as a village with a united front of positivity through awareness raising and organised events and initiatives, such as Playlist for Life.
Having experienced three close friends with dementia and not quite sure I was dealing with it properly, I felt understanding the problems of dementia sufferers could only be an asset to myself to be able to help anyone in that unfortunate position in the future.
