Lanarkshire charity EK Dementia Carers Group has revealed it is under intense pressure post-pandemic as it fights to continue to provide a much-needed service to the local community amid the current cost of living crisis.
At the start of lockdown in March 2020, the vital group was providing 11,000 hours of daycare annually to 30 people with dementia from their base in Greenhills, East Kilbride and supporting over 100 carers through respite, Carers Support and their Memory Café.
But with elderly and dementia in the highest risk categories for Covid and daycare not regarded as an “essential service”, the charity was forced to close its doors until it was deemed safe to reopen.
In June 2021, after a 15-month hiatus, the daycare centre resumed its services with some restrictions including reduced numbers and social distancing.
But, only nine of the 30 people who had been attending pre-lockdown were able to return with a number of service users tragically passing away.
It wasn't until September this year that the centre was able to return to full capacity.
Reduced service provision resulted in an annual loss of £19,500 for the charity who's co-ordinator Brian Doig revealed a deficit again this year is "likely."
He told Lanarkshire Live : "A combination of restrictions, reduced service provision and all fundraising events being cancelled during lockdown resulted in the charity losing over £19,500 last year.
"Whilst these losses are not sustainable long term, support from the Robertson Trust and reserves built up prior to lockdown to see the group through emergencies have done just that and the group is now looking forward with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
"There is an increasing need for our service and yet again, we find ourselves full with a waiting list.
"The community is rallying around and supporting us, as was seen by our recent Christmas Fayre which was crowded far beyond our expectations.
"With all this in mind, we were thrilled to receive support from East Kilbride Youth Club football team, which is the biggest youth football club in the area with over 200 boys and girls between the ages of five and 16 in 10 teams."
Supported themselves by local businesses such as Bell Fire and Security, the club resumed their annual sportsman's dinner and, in hearing of the Dementia Carers Group’s plight, made a fantastic donation of £1100 to the local charity.
EKYC has long held supporting local charities as a primary objective alongside the development of youth.
The football club, founded in 1969, is very much at the heart of the community and saw the charity as being one they could readily identify with.
Club President Denny Byrne and some of the players met with EK Dementia Carers Group co-ordinator Brian Doig recently and handed over a cheque to help the charity continue with its good work supporting the local community.
He said: "We always support the local charities every year and someone in the club had said EK Dementia Carers were struggling.
"People have been very kind to us in the community so it's good to give back when you can."
If you can help support the charity going forward contact Brian Doig on 07919 367 790 or via info@dementiacarers.co.uk
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