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A £9,910 grant from the Belong North East Fund at Community Foundation North East is helping people living with dementia and their families enjoy days out together, by funding the staff time needed to make them possible.
The grant to Chrysalis Club Tynedale is supporting the salary of a part-time coordinator who is organising activities and trips for people living with dementia, their family carers and volunteers who may themselves be experiencing loneliness.
Based in Hexham, the Chrysalis Club supports around 300 people face-to-face each month, providing activities, meetings and trips that enhance quality of life, reduce isolation and give family carers valuable respite.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programmes Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“When donors think about supporting a community project, it’s often the activity itself that first comes to mind. But behind every successful programme are people with the time, skills and experience to make it happen.
That’s why funding salaries can be so important. For Chrysalis, having a paid coordinator means there is someone responsible for making sure trips are properly planned, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
This autumn, Chrysalis members are enjoying trips to South Tynedale Railway, Hexham Races and the Memory Café at St James’ Park.
But making those days possible requires careful planning. The coordinator considers everything from steps, wheelchair access and the distance to toilets, to coach parking and making sure venue staff understand the needs of the group.
That preparation means people living with dementia and their carers can feel safe and supported. Family carers can sometimes find trips into the wider community difficult, increasing the risk of both them and the person they care for becoming isolated.
Rosie Robson-Tinsley, Chair of Chrysalis Club Tynedale, said:
“Our trips give people living with dementia and their families the chance to do something many of us take for granted – simply enjoy a day out together.
With a little support, people can have a fantastic time. There is such a lovely camaraderie, people feel safe with Chrysalis, and quite often the coach is full of singing on the way home.”
The Belong North East Fund grant recognises that community activities need people behind them and Community Foundation North East is pleased to help ensure those opportunities can continue.