Mearns Kirk Helping Hands Lunch and Social Club

Mearns Kirk Helping Hands Lunch and Social Club for People Living with Dementia

Background and Basis Activity is rooted in the needs of the community and is reflective and responsive. In Scotland, an estimated 90, 000 people are living with dementia; in East Renfrewshire an estimated 1830 people (Alzheimer Scotland 2017) Affects both the person with dementia and those who are caring for them.

Purpose To provide a stimulating and supportive environment for people living with dementia. To provide a half day per week of respite for family members and carers. To support carers by providing information and signposting; newsletter. To offer opportunities for people living with dementia to engage with the wider local community (JOY Group)

Who is involved and how do we operate? Part of a registered charity, Mearns Kirk Helping Hands. Volunteer Member, Referral led; training and development. family member and carer involvement. process; criteria; ending process. Every Thursday afternoon, 12 pm to 4 pm. Trips, outings, celebrations and exhibitions. Partner organisations: JOY Club. Funding, sponsorship and donations.

Outcomes In the period 2017 -2018, the Club provided a stimulating and supportive afternoon of activities and entertainment once a week for 28 members, and respite for their family members and carers. “Mum enjoys herself while she is there and it is great for her to socialise, as her family is very small, and scattered over the world. Also, as she is 97, nearly all of her friends have passed away, so it’s an opportunity for her to communicate with others in a social setting. ” “The 4 hour respite provided by Mearns Kirk Helping Hands gives us the only time we have… to go out for lunch or do some shopping: simple things which we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. The work of the volunteers is hugely appreciated. ”

Main Challenges and Key Learning Points Balance of referrals; ratio of male to female, stage of dementia etc. Individualising support; getting to know members, adjusting as illness progresses. Endings; saying goodbye to members, keeping in contact etc.