Dementia charity awarded Government voluntary organisation funds

Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb has announced that a new round of funding will be awarded to voluntary organisations which work to improve people’s health and well-being.

Among the organisations that have already received this type of government funding is a number of projects which have been implemented to support people living with dementia.

In launching this year’s fund, Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb said:

“Voluntary organisations play a vital role in our health and care system – they offer support to people at the most vulnerable points in their lives and help to build stronger relationships between services and the local community.”

In the last round of funding, the Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development (IESD) Fund recommended 49 new projects to receive a share of the £5.5m fund.

One charity, Dementia Adventure CIC, was awarded £81,200 to improve the services that they provide in supporting people living with dementia to interact with nature.

Director of Dementia Adventure CIC Neil Mapes said: “Receiving a grant from the Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development ‘Natural Leaders’ Programme is enabling Dementia Adventure to expand our delivery of nature based training, consultancy and adventure projects to a range of health & social care and leisure providers. This empowers them to involve the use of nature in their work with people living with dementia and their carers.

“The benefits to people living with dementia are to live well, have contact and connection with nature and enjoy a sense of adventure, resulting in them being happier, healthier, and confident to lead as full and active life as possible.

“The work of ‘Natural Leaders’ will reach out to thousands of people living with dementia giving them the assurance that their family, friends, carers and professionals have the practical and emotional support they need.” Dementia Adventure CIC will use the funds to recruit, train and support four new full-time project leaders over 3 years.

All organisations that are successful in the new round will receive funding for their ability to demonstrate their commitment to some of the key priorities in the health and care system.

Areas such as improving long-term care and support, and delivering safe and compassionate care have both been described as one of the key priorities which will be addressed through this year’s rounds of funding.

Mr Lamb concluded: “Voluntary organisations play a vital role in our health and care system – they offer support to people at the most vulnerable points in their lives and help to build stronger relationships between services and the local community. This new round of funding will improve the lives of thousands of people across the UK, helping them to lead healthier and more independent lives.

“It is crucial that we continue to champion our voluntary organisations, because their expertise allows them to design and develop innovative solutions to the big challenges we face in health, public health and social care.”