A “lifeline” Aberdeen respite centre on the cusp of drastically reducing its services has received an 11th hour cash injection.
Voluntary Service Aberdeen’s (VSA) Forest Grove health centre will now be able to continue offering a fully-fledged service for another year.
The centre was the first of its kind in Scotland when it opened in 2013 offering short-break respite for people aged over 50 with long-term illnesses who are being cared for at home.
It had been supported by Aberdeen City Council with money from the Older People’s Change Fund but when this two-year funding deal came to an end, VSA faced slashing services from five to just two days a week.
But now entertainer and VSA honorary president Fiona Kennedy has stepped into the breach, donating £10,000 raised through her Nae Ordinary Burns Supper at the Beach Ballroom in February.
The star, who has supported VSA for more than 30 years, said: “I knew there was a possibility of things changing here and I just thought it would be nice to help out.
“Being a carer is incredibly tough going and people need time to recharge their batteries – it is just about having that time to do something.
“It is just a fantastic place.”
Councillor Lesley Dunbar, who leads on social care issues at Aberdeen City Council, said:”Over 200 families use this service and it is important that these families receive reassurance that it will continue, not only for the people suffering from dementia but for their carers.”
Jenny Ewen, VSA’s director of adult services said: “We are absolutely delighted not just for the stuff and the users but for the carers, who are trying to get some valuable respite.
“They describe this place as their lifeline.”
Alan Reid, of VSA, said: “This has been as major success – we are delighted.”