‘Dementia is a huge, growing health crisis and it isn’t going to go away’ – Anna Devine, Alzheimer Scotland
AS the number of people living with dementia in Scotland continues to rise, Alzheimer Scotland is set to deliver its biggest-ever Memory Walk series in a bid to rally support for people living with dementia in communities across the country.
“There are over 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, and tens of thousands of unpaid carers, often partners and family members, supporting them,” said a spokesperson.
Alzheimer Scotland will hold over 25 Memory Walks in Scotland this autumn to raise vital funds to deliver support services and raise awareness of the discrimination, isolation and stigmatisation faced every day by people living with dementia.
There will be walks from Scalloway in Shetland to Hawick in the Borders –starting late August and finishing in early October.
Anna Devine, director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, said: “Dementia is a huge, growing health crisis and it isn’t going to go away.
“We must rally our caring and compassionate communities across Scotland to be part of our Memory Walks and embrace the message that dementia is everyone’s business.
“It costs Alzheimer Scotland millions every year to deliver vital services across Scotland. To sustain that support as the demand for our services increases, we need to raise more funds and more awareness.”
All funds raised will be used to help pay for vital Alzheimer Scotland dementia services across Scotland such as the 24-hour dementia helpline, dementia advisors, dementia nurses and dementia research.
Funds will also support important local activities, such as Dementia Cafés, support groups, singing and gardening groups.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walks are family friendly and accessible to all, and will be the charity’s primary outdoor fundraiser in 2015.
Memory Walks are also a significant part of Alzheimer Scotland’s campaign to ensure the voices of those living with and caring for people with dementia are heard.
Walks will include memories-themed and family activities and walkers will have the chance to honour loved ones by writing messages on a Memory Wall.
Registration is £10 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year-olds and free for under-12s. We’re asking participants to raise £100 in sponsorship.
Visit www.MemoryWalksScotland.org to find out more and to register.