16th November 2020

Alzheimer’s Support has received £15,000 from the Veterans’ Foundation to help support former servicemen and women.

The foundation funds organisations which support former members of the Armed Services. Alzheimer’s Support works with 1,200 veterans who live with dementia and their families, helping to alleviate social isolation and loneliness. 

The grant will go towards the charity’s Creating Connections programme including Music for the Mind singing groups, Movement for the Mind exercise groups, Muddy Boots outdoors groups, art groups and a network of memory cafes.

Sarah Marriott, head of Alzheimer’s Support’s head of community services said: “We’re very grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for this award. These much-needed funds will hugely benefit our veteran members and to receive them during the Remembrance commemorations could not be more fitting.

How the funding will increase wellbeing

“Wiltshire has a long-standing military presence, but many veterans live in small villages with little infrastructure and, once dementia is diagnosed, can withdraw from their community. Alzheimer’s Support activity groups are located within the towns and villages they serve and are dedicated to increasing social interaction, confidence and wellbeing among veterans living with dementia and their family carers.”

David Shaw, Veterans’ Foundation CEO said: “The Veterans’ Foundation is delighted to award a grant to Alzheimer’s Support so they can develop their “Creating Connections” programme which will help veterans who live with dementia, and their family carers.  We are most grateful to Alzheimer’s Support for the important work they are doing in this county particularly as it has a larger proportion of Veterans than many others."

Alzheimer’s Support’s activity groups will reopen from 7^th December. In the meantime, groups are meeting online where possible.