Progress so far

We have engaged with the local community through social media, local press including ‘Going Out’ magazine and the Ayrshire Post. We have received over 100 responses to our online and paper survey to gauge interest and ideas. This information will shape our ideas going forward together with consultation with people with dementia and families/carers.

The following businesses in Prestwick have signed up to participate in phase 1 of this initiative: Toll Pharmacy, Boots, Buzzworks, Stewart Travel, Urquart’s Opticians, Murrays Cafe, Bramleys Cafe, West Coast Fisheries, Library, Post Office and GP Practices and others have pledged their support and interest going forward. Alzheimer Scotland will be supporting staff within these businesses to develop an understanding of dementia by delivering a short awareness session and will demonstrate how small changes to the environment can support people with dementia to live well in Prestwick. Toll Pharmacy have undertaken dementia awareness training and held their first drop-in session with Alzheimer Scotland on 31 May 2016 during Dementia Awareness Week. Further sessions to follow.

We won a bid from the local Health and Social Care Partnership to support our launch. We have been awarded a bid from Dobbies Garden Centre to develop a dementia friendly community garden which will supplement other sensory gardens at Biggart including the area developed by the Rotary Club. Work will start on the garden soon.

Dementia Friendly Prestwick was discussed in Parliament as part of carers week (week of 6 June). View here