We are delighted to announce the successful application for £18,604 to The National Lottery Awards for All. The money will be used solely to fund the continued Dementia & Memory Loss Well-being Co-ordinator post in our Team. Given that The National Lottery Awards for All receives an application every 3 minutes, we are absolutely thrilled.
The National Lottery Awards for All England funds community-led projects. Social connections and community activities are at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society.
The Grant, or Project Fund, will ensure that Moorland Community Caring continues to deliver its Well-being Programme – Dementia & Memory Loss for the financial year 2024/25. This has, in the past, been funded by Devon County County Council, but there is still no news as to whether the Project will be funded, or even partially-funded, so was at real risk of ending.
In the last 2 years, Heather Manktelow, our Co-ordinator, has supported almost 200 people living with dementia and/or their loved ones, sometimes known as a carer. The support involves an individually tailored programme helping people to live well. It involves practical and emotional support, whether advising on planning and paperwork, applying for Attendance Allowance, working with the Older People’s Mental Health Team, District Nurses, Social Prescribers, Occupational Therapists, Dieticians and more. The support given is so important and an excellent multi-agency approach to a person’s wellbeing. Additonally, Heather looks for ways to help people connect with others – whether the person living with dementia or caring for the person living with dementia – these connections help to reduce social isolation. Our monthly Memory Cafe at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Ashburton, is one example of how a community can create a safe, welcoming space for people. We love seeing people laugh and live well and are constantly inspired by people affected by dementia.
Heather Manktelow said, “I am so proud of my work in the communities of Ashburton, Bovey Tracey and Buckfastleigh. It is so sad that funding has not been announced. I am truly thankful to The National Lottery as it will enable me to support another 80 people living with dementia.”
Our thanks to Sarah Kersey for her application and to our wonderful Memory Cafe Volunteers and Participants who enjoyed celebrating the good news! The Trustees and Manager of Moorland are so very proud of Heather. Her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to her role will now shine on for another year!
