The dementia care charity’s Royal Patron celebrates ‘unsung heroes’ during National Carers Week
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has hosted a special reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to recognise and thank the volunteers and unpaid carers of The Eric Liddell Community, whose unwavering dedication transforms the lives of people living with dementia across Edinburgh.
The royal reception took place at a highly symbolic time, bridging the conclusion of Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June) and Carers Week (8–14 June). The event celebrated the vital, often unseen contributions of those who give their time, energy, and compassion to others, while highlighting the importance of high quality, specialist dementia services across the city.
Thirty volunteers and unpaid carers represented the charity’s core operations at the Palace, including its flagship Dementia Day Care service, Cafe, and the dedicated carers support team.
As Royal Patron of the charity, Her Royal Highness met individually with guests to hear firsthand about their caregiving and volunteering experiences.
Before concluding the event, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, addressed the group collectively, expressing her deep gratitude for their ongoing commitment to supporting some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.
Megan Veronesi, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We were deeply honoured to join Her Royal Highness in recognising the incredible contributions our volunteers and unpaid carers make every single day. Their compassion, dedication, and generosity are at the absolute heart of everything we do.
“As the need for specialist dementia support continues to grow across the city, community-led services that keep people connected, active, and supported have never been more critical.”
Our Dementia Day Care service provides life-changing support for individuals living with dementia, while giving family carers a much needed break, secure in the knowledge that their loved one is in safe, expert hands.
The royal recognition comes at a pivotal moment of growth for The Eric Liddell Community. With rates of dementia rising rapidly, more families are increasingly seeking safe, stimulating, and deeply person-centred environments for individuals diagnosed with dementia.
To address this need, the charity provides subsidised and self-funded day care places for people from across Edinburgh, which are designed to provide individuals with meaningful activities, crucial social connections, and expert care, while simultaneously offering family carers valuable respite and peace of mind.
The charity also provides a range of groups for people living with or at risk of dementia, and their carers, to enjoy time together. This includes our dementia-friendly music group, Liddel Lion’s lunch, and a range of wellbeing activities.
PICTURES: Mike Wilkinson
