Over a quarter of a million pounds has been given to 25 dementia projects across Scotland to support the growth of community-led support for people living with dementia, their carers and family members.
Age Scotland’s dementia ‘Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity’ (ESGA) fund is providing a total of £314,662 in community grants to groups across Scotland.
These grants have been supported by Scottish Government funding, allocated via a National Dementia Resilient Communities Programme Board made up of lived experience voices, local and national partners.
This funding, and the work of the Board, supports the aims of the new National Dementia Strategy, particularly in building resilience and sustainability in community support for people living with dementia and unpaid carers.
Funding decisions were made in collaboration with a lived experience panel of people living with dementia and unpaid carers, ensuring that those with first-hand insight played a key role in shaping the allocation of grants.
The 25 successfully funded projects are:
Beith Community Development Trust (North Ayrshire)
Big Hearts Community Trust (Edinburgh)
Feniks (Edinburgh)
Networking Key Services (Edinburgh)
Boots and Beards (Glasgow)
Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre (Glasgow)
Central Wellbeing (Falkirk)
Cobhair Bharraigh (Western Isles)
Community Connectors (Moray)
Connecting Carers (Highland)
Raddery House / Inverness Openarts (Highland)
Craignish Community Company (Argyll and Bute)
Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy (Perth and Kinross)
Dementia Friendly Prestwick (South Ayrshire)
Friends of Dundonald Castle (South Ayrshire)
DG Voice (Dumfries and Galloway)
Forget Me Not Club (Aberdeenshire)
Inchgarth Community Centre (Aberdeen city)
Friends of Kilsyth (North Lanarkshire)
North Lanarkshire Muslim Women & Family Alliance (NLMWFA) (North Lanarkshire)
Inspiring Communities (Stirling)
Lyle Gateway (Inverclyde)
Montrose Connections (Angus)
Past Times (South Lanarkshire)
Peebles Old Parish Church (Scottish Borders)
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 will be distributed by April 2026 and will allow communities to deliver projects and realise the benefits and impact of their work as soon as possible.
Anna Clements, Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, said:“We were blown away by the number of applications and are proud to announce the recipients of one of our largest allocations of ESGA funding to date.
“From towns and cities to islands and remote areas in different corners of Scotland, it’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding to help people living with dementia, their carers, and families stay connected and supported in their communities.
“This year we made a conscious effort to ensure a broad spread of grant holders across Scotland, particularly in rural areas and projects supporting people from ethnic minority communities, where access to dementia services can be especially limited and underrepresented.
“We look forward to seeing the funding in action across the country and are confident the projects will play a vital role in empowering people to live well with dementia.”
Funded grassroots dementia projects thriving:
The Forget Me Notes Project is a singing group which aims to create inclusive choirs for everyone, including people living with dementia.
The organisation is based in Edinburgh and hosts weekly sessions alternating between Saughton Park and The Salvation Army on Gorgie Road.
It also runs an online Zoom choir which attracts participants from across the UK.
While these choirs had already been running for two years, it was only when funding from About Dementia was secured last year that the choirs became weekly offerings, enabling them to recruit new volunteers to provide assistance to members.
Alan Midwinter, chief executive of The Forget Me Notes Project, said: “The grant was used to consolidate our work and make it consistent, we wouldn’t be able to keep it going as much without it.”
On a warm sunny day Alan says between 70 to 80 people usually turn up at the outdoor Choir In The Park, including many people living with dementia and unpaid carers.
On colder or wet days, the group move into the park’s glasshouse to sing.
Alan added: “People with dementia who attend our choirs get a sense of achievement, community involvement, its inclusive for people who might be genuinely isolated.”
The Eric Liddell Community’s manifesto sets out five crucial priorities to support the estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland
Edinburgh based care and specialist dementia charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has launched its 2026 Manifesto, ‘Priorities and evidence-based recommendations for the next Scottish Parliament’, setting out five urgent priorities to better support people living with dementia, unpaid carers, volunteers, and the communities that rely on them.
With an estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, The Eric Liddell Community says the gap between the vision and commitments made in policy are very different from reality. There are rising costs, reduced statutory funding and an increase in demand for these services due to an ageing population, putting immense pressure on charities.
Founded over 45 years ago, The Eric Liddell Community has long supported people living with dementia and their carers, and is now calling on political parties, candidates and policymakers to recognise voluntary organisations as essential partners in addressing societal challenges and delivering services that communities rely on.
“We ask to be recognised, not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a lifeline for many.”
Irene Adams OBE, Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, comments:“Every day we see the difference that care, compassion, and community make to people living with dementia and also to the unpaid carers volunteering their time.
“This means we also see the consequences when we are underfunded and under supported. We urge all Scottish parties to listen to their communities and work with the third sector by turning policy into reality for people who most need the support.”
While Scotland is recognised for its progression with dementia policy, The Eric Liddell Community states that not enough people are able to access these dementia services and support. In addition, 37% of the Scottish adult population (1.7 million people) have provided unpaid care at some point in their lives. The value of this support totals £15.9 billion each year.
The manifesto is built upon 5 urgent priorities for the next Scottish Government, turn policy dementia into reality, take immediate action to address the third sector funding crisis, deliver unpaid carers a legal right to breaks in practice, ensure social care reform improves real experiences and value the importance of volunteers.
To read the full Eric Liddell Community Manifesto for 2026, please visit:Manifesto.
John MacMillan MBE, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added:“Our work shows the powerful impact that care and strong community support can make on the growing dementia challenge in Scotland.
“We see the real struggle caused by underfunding and lack of support and hope the Scottish parties will work with the third sector to deliver support where it is most needed.”
The Eric Liddell Community supports thousands of people each year with befriending services, carer’s programmes and a community filled with volunteer-led activities. Their mission is to bring people together in their local communities and have a positive impact on their lives.
To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community please visit: ericliddell.org
Supportive evening session to help families plan with confidence
WHEN a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the emotional impact is often compounded by urgent and unfamiliar decisions about care, legal authority and financial planning.
As part of Dementia Awareness Month, a free public information evening in central Edinburgh will offer families the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals, offering expert insights into Powers of Attorney, property, guardianship and the wider support available.
The event, titled Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia: A Practical Guide to Power of Attorney & Property, will take place on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the ESPC Property Lounge on George Street, Edinburgh.
Hosted by legal and property specialists Ralph Sayer, the event is being delivered in partnership with The Dementia Trust and supported by ESPC, which is providing the venue as part of its commitment to supporting public education and community wellbeing.
The free session will run from 5.30pm until 8pm, with short presentations from guest speakers between 6:00pm and 6:45pm, followed by an informal Q&A and the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with experts.
Attendees will hear from Kimberley Mackay, Partner and Head of Private Client at Ralph Sayer, who will speak about the importance of putting a Power of Attorney in place.
Kimberley explains: “We encourage everyone to consider making a power of attorney whilst they are fit and able. However, a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that is no longer possible to do so. Taking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is a good idea to understand the options.”
“We want people to leave this session feeling better informed and more in control when supporting someone through a dementia diagnosis.”
The panel will also feature Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, who will explain the role of property in funding care and how to navigate property transactions when acting under a Power of Attorney or guardianship
Tzana added: “Property is often a person’s most significant asset but selling it on their behalf can bring both legal complexities and emotional strain. We’ll be sharing practical advice for families facing those decisions and advise what steps they can take to prepare in advance.”
The event will also include perspectives from The Dementia Trust, which works directly with families, carers and individuals living with dementia to offer guidance and emotional support.
Professor June Andrews, a leading dementia expert, and Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland and respected authority on capacity and decision-making, are expected to join the panel to bring vital insight from their combined decades of frontline experience.
Sonia Mangan, Interim Lead Officer from the Dementia Trust said: “This event reflects the kind of practical, empathetic support that makes a real difference to people navigating life after a diagnosis. Dementia can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone.
“We know how uncertain and isolating a diagnosis can feel, especially when it comes to legal and financial decisions. That’s why we’ve launched our Planning Ahead campaign and why we’re calling February 2026 Power of Attorney Month. Our message is simple: put Power of Attorney in place early.
“The average age of people in Scotland making a Power of Attorney is 79 – and too often we see people waiting until it’s too late.”
In addition, Dianne Millen, Director of specialist incapacity law firm Datrys Legal, and an accredited specialist in incapacity and mental disability law, will demystify the guardianship process, helping attendees understand how the court procedure works when a Powers of Attorney is not already in place.
Dianne said “Going to court is an intimidating prospect for most people and can feel overwhelming when you are also caring for a loved one with dementia.
“Understanding the process can make you feel more in control.”
Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, added: “As an organisation made up of Solicitor Estate Agents with huge amount of legal and property expertise, ESPC has long supported opportunities for our firms to help the public make informed decisions.
“Our Property Lounge isn’t just a shopfront, but also a space for education, connection and community. We’re proud to host events like this that support people through difficult times with clear, trusted advice. Many families don’t realise the vital role property can play in funding care or planning for later life, so this kind of event offers an important way to begin those conversations.”
Spaces at the event are free but strictly limited to 30 attendees, with advance registration required. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance when registering, helping to tailor the session to the most pressing concerns.
The event is open to anyone supporting a loved one with dementia, considering legal planning for later life or simply seeking clarity on where to begin.
The festive season is an exciting and busy time, but it can also be a challenging time for some people living with dementia and the people who love and care for them. Music can help. It can ease distress, spark conversation and create moments of joy and a unique shared experience for everyone listening.
There are many ways to help people enjoy music together. Why not:
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Donate to our work. Just £10 supports five people with a free resource pack
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
An exciting new charity partnership will help take action against dementia across Scotland and beyond with a giant inflatable brain tour as part of an innovative brain health programme.
Alzheimer Scotland has been selected as the Charity Partner for 2025/26 by Scotmid, which is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and includes Semichem, Lake & Dales Coop, Scotmid Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors.
Studies indicate that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable, often through making simple lifestyle changes.
As part of its ambitious plans for the 12-month partnership, Alzheimer Scotland will spread this prevention message by investing in a giant, walk-through inflatable brain – named Babs the Brain in honour of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
”Babs” will embark on a Big Brain Tour of Scotland, visiting stores as well as community venues.
At each stop, people can step inside the inflatable to learn how different areas of the brain work, enjoy interactive activities, and make their own personal brain health pledge.
The partnership will raise vital funds for brain health initiatives across Scotland, while Alzheimer’s Society will provide support to reach communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The partnership was officially launched at Scotmid’s HQ in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where colleagues and pupils from Hillwood Primary School were among the first to experience Babs the Brain.
Dame Barbara’s widower Scott Mitchell attended the event and has given the project his full support.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be embarking on this charity partnership with Scotmid. We see this as the start of a shared mission to empower people of all ages to protect their brain health, reduce their risk of dementia, and help make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to expand the work we do by finding creative ways to empower communities across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland to look after their brain health.
“Not only will we raise vital funds, we will also leave a lasting legacy beyond this partnership of healthier habits, stronger connections, and better awareness of dementia prevention.”
Karen Scott, Scotmid’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re truly delighted to join forces with Alzheimer Scotland.This partnership isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about coming together with our communities to create real, positive change.
“By working hand in hand, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia across Scotland.”
Scott Mitchell, who was appointed People’s Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, said: “Babs the Brain and the brain health prevention work Alzheimer Scotland will be doing alongside it is a wonderful legacy for Barbara and something she would be proud to put her name to.
“I have no doubt she would have treated us to one of her famous giggles for the name alone!”
Other initiatives planned for the coming year include in-store ‘brain healthy’ shopping experiences, from recipe cards to highlighting ‘brain-boosting choices’.
Funds raised will also support Alzheimer Scotland’s STARS: My Amazing Brain schools project, which brings brain health education to children and families nationwide.
The Forget Me Notes project, an established Edinburgh based charity which offers a wide range of musical entertainment, therapy and support to those who are living with, or who are affected by dementia, will be hosting its annual showcase event on Tuesday 2nd September at St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace.
The showcase will feature a number of drop-in events between 1045am and 2pm, enabling those in attendance to learn more about the activities of the charity, including an introduction to its volunteer project and an opportunity to meet the chief executive of Forget Me Notes along with one of the charity’s trustees.
Music is at the core of Forget Me Notes’ activities and this will be provided throughout the event by both Kenny Vass and his band along with a series of musical interludes from the various musicians and singers who perform for the charity on a regular basis at care homes, day centres, community centres and other venues, including a fortnightly concert at the Saughton Park bandstand.
Admission to the showcase is free and lunch will be provided.
Later in the day, starting at 6.30pm, there will be a live performance from Kenny’s band featuring music from the1950s and 1960s. Dressing up to reflect the fashions of that period is encouraged (although not essential).
The evening event is ticketed, with tickets available from eventbrite.com at a cost of £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Further details regarding the activities of the Forget Me Notes project and be found at www.forgetmenotes.org.uk
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An opportunity to share songs from your own playlist and connect with others
Book here: https://sbee.link/n4xyvw86hc
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Could you give the gift of music this Christmas?
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
