A GLASGOW foundation is hosting their first Christmas lunch for people with dementia in almost two years.
Beneficiaries of the Battle Against Dementia (BAD) Foundation will be able to enjoy a Christmas day out with their families and carers for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
The BAD Foundation supports people in Glasgow and the west of Scotland who are directly affected by dementia, but coronavirus had put a halt to all their initiatives.
Now BAD’s founder Douglas McCluskey has organised the event in the hope to bring some normality back into the lives of dementia patients.
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He said: “The last time we’ve done something like this was maybe two and a half years ago, just due to the pandemic.
“It's absolutely fantastic and a long time coming to be able to organise something now that restrictions are a little looser.
“It's been a great window of opportunity for us to actually put something back that people can come and enjoy and have a relaxing day seeing their families.”
The festive lunch will be held on December 6 at Balmore Golf Club, with entertainment provided by Rod Stewart tribute act, Simply Rod.
Douglas managed to involve 50 dementia patients as well as their families and carers.
He said the guests’ response has been enthusiastic: “It was quite funny, because a lot of them have responded saying ‘how much is it going to be? that’s fantastic’, almost in disbelief.
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“They couldn't actually grasp that it was a free day for them to come and enjoy.
“As you can imagine, it's always very strange for people with dementia, especially with Covid as a lot of things have been restricted,” he added.
“So for them to actually get a day out, having a chance to dress up… They're absolutely ecstatic about it.”
Launched in 2018, the charity provides funds for people with the condition and their families, and partners up with other local organisations to set up events tailored to them.
“We try to give them money that actually makes a difference to them personally,” said Douglas, “rather than doing something that might not be valuable to them.
“Hopefully this is the start of more things to come that we can actually do for people with dementia.”
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This year’s lunch is being funded by BAD and organised in partnership with East Dunbartonshire’s Ceartas, which provides advocacy services to adults with support needs.
Michelle Candlish, dementia link worker at Ceartas, said: “The last 2 years have been difficult for many people affected by dementia due to the adverse effects of the pandemic.
“People have experienced isolation and loneliness. Ceartas have continued to support our members by providing welfare calls, Zoom De Cafes and distributing regular newsletters.
“This Christmas our members can once again enjoy a festive get-together with one another and for the afternoon forget about Covid, sit back and enjoy a cooked meal with some entertainment and if they have been good Santa might bring them a present.”
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