Johnstone Dementia-Friendly Community Group was launched in January 2019. The aim is to provide socialisation, companionship and support for those living with Dementia and their carers. We encourage our members to share their experiences and knowledge of the condition with one another. All too often the diagnosis of Dementia brings stigma, embarrassment and isolation to not only the individual with the diagnosis, but their carers as well. We are working to eradicate this.

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We cover the Johnstone, Elderslie, Linwood, Kilbarchan, Houston/Crosslee, Bridge of Weir and Howwood areas.

 

Since we started, the group has received tremendous support and financial support from Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow Airport Flight Path Fund and more recently Life Changes Trust, a Lottery funded organisation who specialised in supporting Dementia related groups. We also are fortunate enough to have generous support from those who are part of our group and we held successful fundraising pre Covid. Health and Social Care Partnership awarded us funding to purchase a projector and screen to hold film and sing a long afternoons. We have also purchased headphones for those who are struggling with their hearing, these will help enhance the fun of the films.

 

Day trips, theatre outings, T-dances and entertainment afternoons have all been successful.  Pre-Covid, several trips to the Concert Hall Glasgow for the Celtic Connections festival, were very enjoyable. When restrictions allowed, we went on River boat trips and had a wonderful afternoon with singer Christian and Scottish Ballet supplying the entertainment. Boness and Kinnell Railway Steam Train trips were enjoyed by all who went.

 

A weekly lunch club is being launched in June of this year. Still Here is the title of our socialisation group. Enterainment, film shows, Yoga, musical sessions with an enthusiastic choir leader, Reiki and many other activities will be on offer.