A part of the work delivered by CuparNow is the support we offer to all kinds of community groups and projects. This crosses over into sharing information from local health and social care partnerships. Although not within our district, we visited a project to discover more on what’s being provided to support those living with a diagnosis of dementia in and around Cupar …

The Kennoway Shed (at Cotlands Park, Kennoway, KY8 5HX) is half an hour from Cupar. It provides a haven for a group of people who come together once a week for company, chat, a smile and a cuppa. We were invited by Ruth McCabe who works with Fife’s Health & Social Care partnership in delivering Dementia Friendly Fife as well as a range of support initiatives to help those living with a dementia diagnosis.

We had a cuppa and chat – and then we spoke with and recorded three of those attending: Gerry, celebrating his birthday on the day, Audrey, who was diagnosed about 4 years ago and lives with her wee dog, Bouncer – and Lorna who described the group as ‘life saving‘.

The conversations we recorded were both tough and inspirational and can be found on the latest episode of our podcast by clicking this link or on the image below …

As alluded to at the start of our recording, we have not captured some of the general chat: there was a frustration and anger at the difficulties people have in accessing the right care for their needs and, it is to that end, that we are sharing this Blog and podcast in the hope that all can work together to help shape the next Fife Dementia Strategy.

Stand up and be counted …

STAND is a Fife Charity supporting people living with a diagnosis of dementia – as well as helping their families and friends. They are running an event on Saturday 18th June to celebrate DEEP – Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project – to help influence the next Fife Dementia Strategy. Those attending will hear about exciting new support initiatives and services.

The event will be at the Carnegie Conference Centre (Halbeath Road, Dunfermline) from 1300-1700 on the 18th. Refreshments and entertainment are provided. If you are able to attend, please RSVP via this email link. For more information, please call 07341842567.

Ruth McCabe says: “The key message for the event is to come along! If you are worried about dementia, are living with it, supporting someone who has it come along! Be inspired by people who are living with dementia, hear about new services and tell us what Fife should be providing.” Ruth adds: “The work we do with young people is aimed at normalising the disease in the hope they will not grow up in fear of it as our generation has. We emphasise what they can do to support people in their families and communities who have dementia to live well with it.”

 

Need more?

The group at Kennoway comes together every Monday from 10:30am until 4pm. The morning session sees them gardening and enjoying chat over a cuppa and cake. After lunch, they enjoy a range of different activities with a wider community group. If you want to find out more about the group, please contact Ruth McCabe via this email link or call Ruth on 07341842567.

If you want to find out more about dementia, a course has been developed and will be delivered by people living with a diagnosis. All members of STAND (the Fife charity, Striving Towards A New Day), the course will give you the opportunity to address some key questions …

• What do you understand about your dementia?
• How can I overcome some of the barriers I face?
• What are my rights?
• Is it always my fault?!
• How can I get heard in my relationships and in the wider world?

Course Dates:

• Every Wednesday from the 1st June – 22nd June 2022
• Time: 1030-1230
• Venue: The Masonic Lodge, Bowling Green Road, Markinch, KY7 6BD

For more information and to enroll, contact Margaret Simpson via this email link or call 01592 643355 xt 22033 or Ruth McCabe via this email link or on 07341842567.