A community project supporting people with dementia to remain included and connected in their area is in the running for a top award.
Dementia Friendly Prestwick are one of three projects in Scotland recognised for bringing improvements to their town’s streets and spaces and have been shortlisted in the Streets and Spaces category at the inaugural Scotland Loves Local Awards.
The awards, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), are part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages everyone to support businesses in their communities by choosing and shopping local.
Dementia Friendly Prestwick, in collaboration with South Ayrshire Council, Paths for All and Ayrshire Roads Alliance, have transformed the town’s promenade into a more accessible, welcoming and inviting space for those living with dementia.
New additions seen along the prom include signs, noticeboards, colourful benches with armrests, a road crossing and poetry wind vanes.
Professor Ian Welsh OBE, Chair of Dementia Friendly Prestwick, said: “Everybody connected with Dementia Friendly Prestwick is thrilled with this nomination.
“Our seafront work is only a part of what we do, only one of a range of local initiatives we’ve been involved in over the last five years.
“It’s essence, however, is to make sure that it supports people living with dementia, their families and carers, and to bring partnership working in a common effort.
“Organisations like ourselves, driven by fantastic volunteers, have been at the centre of building healthy, inclusive sustainable local communities and we’re proud of this collective effort.
Ian hinted at DFP’s next venture and added: “Next up, a Meeting Centre in Prestwick for people and families living with dementia.”
Winners will be announced during an online event, presented by STV’s Sean Batty, to be broadcast via social media on Thursday, November 25.
For more information about the awards and the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, go to www.lovelocal.scot
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