Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm started their groundbreaking community project in 2012, initially for two years. At that time, they were concerned that there were no community services or support for local people living with dementia, their families or carers in the area.
Together with the five parish councils of Wembury, Brixton, Yealmpton, Newton & Noss and Holbeton, they pledged to make a difference. In 2018, they achieved charitable status. They are proud to have supported over 200 families during this time, staying with them throughout their dementia journey. They are so well respected for their work that they are regularly asked to help community groups in other parts of the country to become more dementia friendly.
Last Friday, a small group of Devonshire Freemasons visited the Methodist Church Hall in Yealmpton to present a cheque for £6372 towards the valuable work undertaken by them and their team of volunteer workers; the fantastic sum had been approved by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).
The Dementia Friendly Parishes hold several different sessions for those in need IE, sing along, which is the one that Nicholas Ball, Anthony Eldred and Clive Eden decided to make their visit; unbeknown to them, as soon as they arrived they were provided with song sheets to enable them to join in the singing, the afternoon turned out to be a lot of fun and they managed to get all three singing (if you could call it singing).
The other groups they hold are Laugh and Listen, Gentle Exercise, Coffee and Chat Mornings, A Weekly Walking Group, and equally important a Carers Support Group.
Elizabeth Hitchins, Chairman and a founder member of Dementia Friendly Parishes said,
“How delightful it was to be able to welcome the members of the Freemasons who visited that day to join in with their group and also to receive the wonderful grant for £6372, which will help the charity expand its work in all sections of its groups and activities”.
In Response, Nicholas Ball, Head of the Devonshire Freemasons, said,
“The Dementia Friendly Group of Volunteers are a fantastic cause supporting families of those suffering from dementia. The visit was so rewarding to see the joy and fun of those participating in the sing-along was truly special - a wonderful organisation”.
