£1m boost for community groups helping dementia and stroke sufferers

Dementia and stroke sufferers across Scotland are to benefit from almost £1 million in Lottery grants.

The cash, shared between 136 community groups, will help fund creative workshops for people living with dementia in Stirling and a programme encouraging men to come forward for health check-ups in Troon, South Ayrshire.

In Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Dewar House Carers Group, a residential care home for people living with dementia, has been awarded £4,650 to improve its outdoor spaces.

Another group to benefit from the £996,227 funding is Montrose Stroke Club in Angus, which has been granted £1,850.

Member Frances Barber said: “After I had my stroke I was living on my own and I found it difficult to communicate and socialise with others.

“Joining the club helped me immensely as I met other people who had the same problems as me.

“This award will make a huge difference as it will allow us all to go out as a group together.”

Awards for All Scotland, a partnership between sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund, gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects supporting well-being in the community.

A spokeswoman said: “We are always surprised at the difference a relatively small amount of money can make providing support and advice to people in communities across Scotland and wish all of these groups the best of luck for the future.”

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