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People in Medway living with dementia will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons

Picture of Richard Dixy, a visiting volunteer standing next to the MCF banner
Peter Rhodes, Colin Barden along with staff from ADSS

More than 300 people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their families and carers across the Medway region, will receive help and support thanks to a grant from East Kent Freemasons to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services charity (ADSS).

The £60,000 grant will be pivotal in enhancing the range of services provided by ADSS, including:

• Expanded Outreach Programs: Increasing their capacity to reach more individuals in need of support, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Enhanced Caregiver Resources: Developing and distributing new educational materials and training sessions to equip caregivers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Innovative Support Groups: To launch new virtual and in-person support groups tailored to different stages of dementia, ensuring tailored support for every individual’s journey.
• Community Awareness Campaigns: Implementing campaigns to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, aiming to reduce stigma and promote early diagnosis and intervention.

 

Staff

The symptoms of dementia mean that those living with dementia and those caring for them, can experience social isolation and they worry about the stigma and fear of judgment from others. They need the right support to encourage them to take part in activities, social groups, and community and family gatherings. Medway has an estimated prevalence of dementia of 2,728 and the Medway and Swale Health Care Partnership has a diagnosis rate of 54.1 per cent, which is well below the national average of 64 per cent. This is significant because if someone does not get a diagnosis or it is given it late in the progression of the disease it has a profound impact and creates many issues. Where there is good provision of supportive services doctors are more likely to give people a diagnosis.
The grant will be fund a series of ADSS wellbeing activities and post diagnostic support. This includes five monthly Dementia Cafes, three twice monthly Peer Support Groups and four monthly Activity/Singing Groups. These will be delivered in local community venues that are easily accessible by walking or public transport. There are no charges to attend, and the charity offer transport for those unable to travel independently. At present there are no post diagnostic services in Medway, despite the fact that the number of people living with Dementia in Kent and Medway is expected to rise to over 38,000 by 2030.
Evidence of positive impact includes: 74 per cent feel less lonely since accessing their services; 74.5 per cent felt that the services help them to live safely and independently; and 95 per cent felt that the staff have the right knowledge and understanding to support them.
The grant from East Kent Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Cathy Assoba, Fundraising and Communications Manager of ADSS, said:
“We’re honored and grateful to receive this generous grant from East Kent Freemasons. Their support will allow us to extend our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that no one faces dementia alone. It is a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting those affected by these challenging conditions.”

WBro Peter Rhodes from East Kent Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help ADSS with their hugely important project helping people living with dementia across the Medway region. It’s appalling to note that at present there are no services in and around Medway for people diagnosed with dementia. The services launched by ADSS are absolutely essential.”

For more information on ADSS, please contact: Cathy Assoba, Fundraising & Communications Manager Cathy.assoba@alz-dem.org  01474533990

About the Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that help vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people. The MCF also helps to fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances and regularly contributes to worldwide appeals for disaster relief.  In total, MCF support helps to improve the lives of thousands of people every year in England, Wales and internationally. As well as providing grants to charities, the MCF supports Freemasons and their families with a financial, health or family need. Visit www.mcf.org.uk

About Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Service

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services’ mission is to empower the lives of those impacted by dementia in Kent and Medway. They offer specialist knowledge, vital support, and tailored care to help the people they support and, in their care, reclaim control of their lives, remain active in their families and communities, and manage their disorders effectively. Their services Including support groups, training, and outreach programmes, are designed to manage symptoms effectively and improve overall well-being, ensuring that everyone can live well with dementia. For more information on how to get involved or access services, please visit our website at alz-dem.org  or contact us at 01474533990

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