Tag: The Eric Liddell Community

Edinburgh charity launches 2026 Manifesto calling for urgent action to support dementia

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

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Her Royal Highness supports The Eric Liddell Community at it’s Dinner for Dementia

On Tuesday, 20 January 2026, The Eric Liddell Community, the Edinburgh-based care charity founded in memory of sporting legend Eric Liddell, was honoured to welcome its Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to its annual Dinner for Dementia.

Hosted at The Caledonian Edinburgh, the evening provided an opportunity for meaningful conversation around the growing need for community based dementia care and highlighted the great work that The Eric Liddell Community plays in supporting individuals and families across Edinburgh.

The Eric Liddell Community is widely recognised for its vital dementia care services, offering practical day support, social programmes and much needed respite that help enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Its community hub in Morningside now welcomes more than 7,000 people each month, serving as a crucial lifeline for families navigating the emotional and physical and financial pressures of long term caring responsibilities.

The evening featured an expert keynote speech from Dr Claire Durrant, Race Against Dementia Dyson Fellow, Emerging Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute and Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Durrant provided expert insight into current global dementia research and emphasised the critical importance of pairing scientific innovation with compassionate, community led care. 

Dr Claire Durrant, expert keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the importance of community-led care: “Dementia is one of the greatest health and social challenges of our time and it is vital that scientific research and community based support work hand in hand.

“Events like the Dinner for Dementia create an important space for people to share experiences and raise awareness of the impact of dementia. I was delighted to be part of an evening that brings the community together.”

The Eric Liddell Community’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, had the opportunity to meet the charity’s dedicated staff, volunteers, carers, and those living with dementia who benefit so greatly from the charity’s services during her visit in April 2025. 

The charity demonstrates the importance of having a welcoming place within the community, where one is greeted with kindness, a friendly smile, and genuine warmth, and how this can make an immeasurable difference to the lives of those who visit The Eric Liddell Community. Places like this are at the heart of our communities.

John MacMillan MBE, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “We were deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to this year’s Dinner for Dementia. Her presence reinforced not only the significance of our work but the urgency of the growing dementia challenge in Scotland.

“The evening highlighted the power of collaboration and the vital difference that community led support can make to thousands of families every year.

“We were also delighted to have Dr Durrant speaking at the event. Dr Durrant’s input provided a unique insight into her world renowned research linked to finding a cure for dementia.”

The Eric Liddell Community shines a light on the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia

During Carers Week 2025, The Eric Liddell Community spotlighted the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia.

Through its dedicated Carers Programme and specialist Dementia Day Care Service, the Edinburgh-based charity is providing essential respite, meaningful connection, and personalised support for carers across the city.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally demanding and socially isolating. According to Carers UK, eight in ten carers regularly experience feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

To help support unpaid carers across Edinburgh, The Eric Liddell Community delivers a range of inclusive, practical, and therapeutic services that aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and provide vital moments of rest and relief.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “Carers Week was a chance for us to honour the incredible role unpaid carers play in supporting their loved ones living with dementia, while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting them. 

“At The Eric Liddell Community, we’re proud to offer services that not only provide vital respite, but also help reduce isolation, and offer a supportive community with others in a similar position.

“Through our Carers Programme, Dementia Day Care Service, and initiatives like Liddell Lions and Eric’s Escapes, we aim to create to provide companionship and a break from the isolating realities many carers face.”

The Carers Programme is more than just a series of activities – it’s a lifeline, a place where unpaid carers can recharge, rediscover themselves, and build lasting connections.

Whether it’s the joy of music, the rhythm of dance, or the quiet creativity of the arts, every session offers a chance to step away from daily pressures and embrace moments of renewal. Carers can also develop digital skills, experience holistic therapies, and join social gatherings that remind them they are not alone.

The programme’s impact is best seen in the story of Mary and John, both in their late 80s and living with dementia. As their needs grew, their daughters sought support from The Eric Liddell Community.

What followed was nothing short of transformative.

John rekindled his passion for gardening, finding peace among flowers and fresh earth, while Mary, once hesitant, discovered confidence through music, proudly contributing to daily activities with a newfound spark.

“We feel so lucky we found you,” their daughter shared, capturing the deep gratitude felt by so many families touched by the programme.

With growing demand, The Eric Liddell Community remains committed to expanding its services—ensuring every unpaid carer in Edinburgh has access to a compassionate, uplifting community.

To learn more about the Carers Programme and other available services, visit:

 www.ericliddell.org.

The Eric Liddell Community drives effort to build a more dementia-friendly Edinburgh

This Dementia Awareness Week, the Edinburgh-based care charity will host an expert-led evening event and a business breakfast to inspire local residents and businesses to become more dementia-friendly.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week this May, The Eric Liddell Community is taking a proactive step in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers.

The charity will host two engaging events: a dementia-focused evening on Thursday, 22nd May (6.30pm–8.30pm) and a business breakfast on Wednesday, 4th June (8am–9am). Both events will be held at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh.

The Thursday evening event will welcome guest speaker Jan Beattie, one of Scotland’s foremost voices in dementia care and policy.

A trained social worker with over 30 years of experience in regeneration, community development, and workforce transformation, Jan most recently served as Professional Advisor in Dementia to the Scottish Government.

In this role, she helped shape and deliver Everyone’s Story, Scotland’s national dementia strategy and its first two-year delivery plan.

Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and deep empathy to the subject. She commented: “It’s a genuine privilege to support The Eric Liddell Community during Dementia Awareness Week. Their person-centred, compassionate approach represents the very best of dementia care.

“Everything they do is grounded in strong values, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Edinburgh. That’s what makes their work so impactful, and why I’m proud to stand alongside them in their mission to make our city more inclusive and supportive for those living with dementia.”

On Wednesday, 4th June, the charity will host a Dementia Friendly Community Business Breakfast from 8am–9am.

Local businesses are invited to join for tea, coffee, and pastries while learning practical tips on becoming more dementia-informed. The event will also include a chance to hear about the support services offered by the charity and to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusivity.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, commented: “Creating a dementia-friendly Edinburgh doesn’t just start in hospitals and care homes – it begins in cafés, shops, offices, and neighbourhoods.

“At The Eric Liddell Community, we believe that by raising awareness and equipping people with the right tools, we can transform everyday environments into inclusive, supportive spaces.

“These events are a chance for all of us – whether you’re a business owner, neighbour, friend, or family member – to play a part in making Edinburgh a more understanding and compassionate place for those living with dementia.”

Caroline Heenan, Day Care Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, added: “Every day we see the difference a welcoming environment can make. Whether it’s a familiar face, a friendly voice, or a safe and engaging space, these small things are vital.

“Events like this help us share what we’ve learned and bring more people into our mission of making Edinburgh more Dementia-Friendly.”

The month of May will also see the launch of The Eric Liddell community’s Spring Appeal, which this year will focus on the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers, and will highlight the positive impact The Eric Liddell Community’s Befriending Project has had on the health and wellbeing of those people caring for individuals living with dementia.

For further information, please go to: Get Involved – The Eric Liddell Community.

Eric Liddell 100 launches the Eric Liddell Awards in honour of Scotland’s Olympic hero

AWARDS WILL BE HOSTED BY SALLY MAGNUSSON AND DAVID TANNER, AND PRESENTED BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ANNE 

The Eric Liddell 100 has announced today the launch of its new ‘Eric Liddell Awards’ which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner and will celebrate some of the outstanding individuals contributing to Scotland’s athletics and sports.  

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.  

To form the awards, the charity has partnered with five organisations to honour some of Scotland’s most outstanding individuals in athletics and sports, who have demonstrated the charity’s core values: passion, compassion, and integrity.  

Throughout this year Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Disability Sport and The Eric Liddell Community, have awarded 100 individuals with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards’ with each winner presented with a unique Eric Liddell 100 pin badge and a certificate. Each partner will also nominate one individual to be celebrated further at the Eric Liddell 100 Awards in November.  

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are so proud to announce the launch of this incredible awards ceremony as part of the Eric Liddell 100, and are honoured to be able to create a platform for outstanding individuals across Scotland to be recognised for their achievements in athletics, sports and community work.

“These nominees can beathletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or community members who have displayed one or more of our core values of passion, compassion and integrity.  

“We very much look forward to honouring the incredible nominees in November. This is the first year of the awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell through this incredible initiative.”  

Colin Hutchison, CEO of Scottish Athletics, said: “We are thrilled to take part in the very first Eric Liddell Awards in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest athletes and his legacy.

“It is important to us to highlight the wonderful achievements of our members, and this is truly an amazing way to do so. Eric Liddell’s contribution to Scottish athletics is extremely admirable and his passion for the sport and compassion towards everyone he met is something we want to continue honouring through our involvement with Eric Liddell 100.”  

Hosted by Scottish icon Sally Magnusson – broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their achievements.  

During a service of centenary celebration and remembrance in June 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, praised the Eric Liddell 100 and stated: “The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, iconic figures, The Flying Scotsman Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics in Paris are taking place 100 years after Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold and Bronze medals at the 1924 Games, which also took place in Paris. 

“As the 2024 Olympics return to Paris, we all have an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and be inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Those involved in The Eric Liddell 100 carefully considered suitable values for this initiative, values that Eric Liddell lived by and demonstrated daily; passion, compassion, and integrity.” 

For more information on The Eric Liddell Awards and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/ 

Eric Liddell Community awarded £109,000 Lottery funding to combat loneliness and isolation

The Scottish charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has been awarded a generous grant of £109,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to create a new programme of activity designed to support local people experiencing loneliness and isolation.

This award from The National Lottery Community Fund will be given to the charity over three years and is forecast to benefit 600 people.

Funding 18 volunteers and supporting the addition of a new role of Community Engagement Worker, the team will support local people to live fuller and less isolated lives. They will do this by making positive changes to their daily routine through participation in a variety of activities and outings such as weekly Wellbeing Lunches and the “Community Living Room” development, which are key parts of the Eric Liddell Open Community Programme.

Founded in 1980 in memory of Eric Liddell – the 1924 Olympic 400m gold medallist, Scottish Rugby international and committed missionary – The Eric Liddell Community exists to create a place where no one feels lonely or isolated.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are absolutely delighted and humbled to receive this generous grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

“This funding will allow us to expand our reach and build an entirely new programme over the next 3 years, enabling us to continue the legacy of Eric Liddell, the celebrated Scottish Olympic athlete, who dedicated his life to serving others.

“No one deserves to feel lonely or isolated; we’re committed to ensuring this isn’t the case in our communities and we’re excited about the opportunities this grant presents for us to make a much-needed difference.”

The cash gift also signifies the fund’s powerful vote of confidence in The Eric Liddell Community’s mission to combat loneliness in communities across Scotland.

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.

“This project delivered by Eric Liddell Community, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved not only during the Festive season, but all year round, when people come together for a common cause or to help others. 

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”

For more information about The Eric Liddell Community and its initiatives, please visit ericliddell.org.