South Ayrshire Dementia Support Association
Hearts and Minds
Many thanks to everyone who turned out to support our Halloween fundraiser concert. We managed to raise an excellent £382 on the night and a great night was had by all. Thank you so much to our wonderful performers on the night for providing a night of fantastic entertainment and a huge mention to Pat Lappin who masterminded the whole event for us! For those who couldn’t make it on the night, answers on a postcard – just which one of the SADSA team was the pumpkin?!
In support of fellow organisation, Dementia Friendly Prestwick, please click through for details of their fundraiser concert if you’re looking for something to fill up your Friday night!
HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER CONCERT
A TREAT BUT NO TRICK – celebrate a night of music, fun and entertainment on Halloween Night ,Tuesday 31 October . Get along and support a SOUTH AYRSHIRE DEMENTIA SUPPORT ASSOCIATION fundraiser cause at Ayr Ex Services Club in Academy Street , 7.30 for 8.00.
Headline guest performer and master of ceremonies, Alistair McDonald , supported by Ayrshire Ukes, Mauchline Monster Masher, Sam the Skull and Ayr Phoenix Folk Club Singers guarantee a ‘scream’ of an evening.
Fancy dress optional but preferred and prize for the best. Tickets only £5 . To reserve phone (01292) 283954 / 263537 or email liz.campbell@sadsa.org.uk
To help promote the event, here is our very own Liz Campbell and Reminiscent Pat performing their song at The Twa Dugs in Ayr to promote both SADSA and the Halloween fundraiser concert. They can be found roughly 35 minutes into the video. Enjoy!
As part of Dementia Awareness Week, SADSA, in association with Social Science Students from Ayrshire College, will be holding a sponsored walk along Ayr Beach. We hope to raise awareness of dementia support in the area and to raise much needed funds for SADSA.
The walk will take place on Tuesday 30th May at 2pm and there is a sponsor form available from the office for anyone who wishes to take part or kindly sponsor us. Call Liz on 01292 283954 for further information.
In addition, Liz Campbell, Day Centres Manager for SADSA, will have an information stall at the Alzheimer Office Open Day in the Arran Mall on Thursday 1st June 2017. Liz will be available to offer support and advice on SADSA services and living with dementia – pop by to say hello!
Bill Giddings has written a moving testimonial for SADSA …..
My mother Georgie was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 2008. In 2010 her husband, my father, died and she went badly downhill.
She started to attend daycare at Auchenday and what a difference! Being a sociable and outgoing person she had people to connect with and activities to enjoy.
As time passed and the disease worsened, the number of days (at SADSA) increased and it became part of the routine of her life.
It was so noticeable that a day at Auchenday was far better than her being at home, no matter how many carers I had to come in, no matter what food and drink and entertainment I had arranged – she was always happier at Auchenday.
As her main carer, daycare gave me respite and peace of mind about her safety. No more coming home from work to find the gas cooker on but not lit, or that she’d phoned the police because she couldn’t find a long-dead aunt.
It let me carry on for a bit longer working until I chose to retire to look after her.
All the time I was supported by SADSA – advice freely given on everything from her refusal to wash at one stage, to feeding her, right through to practicalities of purchasing ladies clothes for her.
Well sadly Georgie isn’t with us anymore but SADSA is and could well help you with the challenges of dementia care.
I will always be indebted to SADSA and the splendid support they offer.
Signed
Bill Giddings
Bill has kindly offered to be contactable through our office for anyone who wishes to discuss his daycare experience at SADSA with him. Call Liz in the first instance on 01292 283954.
Photo courtesy of Ayrshire Post; Front Row: Dr Maggie Ellis of St. Andrews University, Mary Mann and Liz Campbell of SADSA Back Row: Phil White and Seonaid Lewis of South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
Following on to our last post, SADSA are proud to say that with the help of the Ayr South Decides grant we have completed the Dementia Gold training programme. You can click on video links on our news page for more information on this innovative training programme.
Check out our Latest News page to see how we did!
Once more, a small group from Auchenday will be enjoying a movie at Prestwick Community Centre courtesy of Prestwick Picturehouse and Dementia Friendly Prestwick. Today’s showing is “The Wizard of Oz” which starts screening at 1.00pm. Click those heels Dorothy and head down to the Community Centre!
Kingcase Primary School will be hosting a Harvest Festival this Thursday 6th October and there is an open invitation to all of our elderly in the community to come along. A group from Auchenday will be going along to join in the celebrations commencing 10.30 am.
SADSA will be doing a bag-pack at Sainsbury, Prestwick on Sunday 2nd October from 1.30pm – 4.00pm. We hope to raise some much-needed funds and our profile at the same time with an information stall on-site. Help and advice available as always. Happy shopping!