Tag: royal patron

Princess Royal honours The Eric Liddell Community’s unpaid carers and volunteers

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

HRH The Princess Royal visits the Eric Liddell Community Hub for the first time as Royal Patron

The Eric Liddell Community was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her first official visit as Royal Patron of the charity.

During her time at the community hub, Her Royal Highness met with service users, staff, volunteers, partners and funders, gaining first-hand insight into the essential work the charity provides in supporting those living with dementia, carers, and individuals facing isolation and loneliness across Edinburgh. 

As part of her visit, The Princess Royal personally thanked Bernadette Morrison, a dedicated volunteer retiring after 14 years of service, for her invaluable contribution to the charity and for her volunteering work at The Eric Liddell Community Hub’s cafe.

The visit also marked the arrival of the highly anticipated Eric Liddell Exhibition at The Eric Liddell Community. This inspiring exhibition commemorates the life and achievements of Eric Liddell, the legendary Olympic gold medallist and Scottish sporting icon, whose story continues to resonate a century after his historic victory in Paris in 1924.

Following its successful launch at the Scottish Parliament, the exhibition now comes to the heart of the community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Liddell’s enduring legacy and the values of passion, compassion, and integrity that defined his life. 

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her first visit as our Royal Patron.

“Her continued support is invaluable in helping us share Eric Liddell’s legacy while we continue to support some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people and families.

“During her visit, our Royal Patron made clear her support of The Eric Liddell Community’s ongoing work with people who are living with dementia and unpaid carers. 

“We are also thrilled to recognise Bernadette Morrison for her dedication to the charity, and to host the Eric Liddell Exhibition, which will undoubtedly inspire and engage those who visit.” 

Reflecting on her time with the charity, Bernadette Morrison said: “I volunteered for 14 years in Café Connect at The Eric Liddell Community, taking customer orders, preparing coffees, and helping to serve food.

“It was always a joy to be part of such a welcoming and supportive environment. When Her Royal Highness became Royal Patron of The Eric Liddell Community, we were all delighted with the news.

“To now have the opportunity to meet her in person is a privilege beyond words, an experience that will stay with me forever.” 

The Eric Liddell Community provides essential services to its community, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need. This includes supporting people who are living with dementia and unpaid carers. To learn more about The Eric Liddell Community, visit ericliddell.org.