81-year-old Margaret loves to boogie – and now more care home residents will be able to join her

Boogie in the Bar is expanding after winning funds to help spread joy at their discos.

By Michelle Henderson

July 20 2024, 5:59 pm

Margaret Park, regular Boogie in the Bar attendee. Images: TNL Community Fund/TIO Photography.

Margaret Park loves getting involved in disco dancing with other care home residents across the Granite City.

When the 81-year-old first visited Boogie in the Bar her expectations were unclear.

But all it took was the music to start playing and happy memories came flooding back.

Organisers of the dementia-friendly discos in Aberdeen pledge to keep the party going after winning a share of £17 million.

The group, run by Seaton Community Hub, has been awarded £19,200 of National Lottery funding to help spread joy and inclusivity across the Granite City.

Margaret from Kingswells has been a regular attendee from day one and says the events help to brighten her day.

Carol Baig is wellbeing co-ordinator at Seaton Community Hub. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson.

She said: “When I first came along to Boogie in the Bar I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once the food was served and the music started it brought so much joy and happiness to everyone’s faces.

“The events bring a lot of residents from care homes, sheltered housing and the general public out of their homes to have an enjoyable afternoon together.

“I live alone so it makes all the difference making new friends, enjoying the music and socialising. I always go home feeling uplifted.”

The community-led project was masterminded seven years ago to help combat loneliness.

Now, organisers have outlined plans to expand the programme and create new groups across Grampian.

Carol Baig, wellbeing co-ordinator at Seaton Community Hub, added: “This funding will allow us to continue to deliver our Boogie in the Bar events throughout the city, and potentially set up some new ones.

“We will continue bringing so much happiness and joy to our communities throughout Aberdeen City.”

Charity supports women through their menstrual cycle

The group was one of several projects in the north-east to receive a share of £17.3 million from the National Lottery Community Fund.

More than 500 community projects from across Scotland have been recognised in this latest round of funding.

The Period Place has also benefitted from a £20,000 cash injection.

Dedicated to education in menstrual health, the charity provides a safe space for mothers and daughters to discuss issues related to the menstrual cycle and period poverty.

Julie Emslie recently attended one of their workshops with her ten-year-old daughter.

Speaking about her experience, she said: “We absolutely loved it. It’s helped break the stigma about being able to talk about periods with my daughter.”

Founder Florence Igboayaka said the funds will help provide improved support for women across the north-east.

Florence Igboayaka, director of the Period Place and author of the Period Comic. Picture by Goyit Photos

“We are elated to have received this award as it will allow us to support more women and girls through their menstrual health journeys and help foster better relationships in our community,” she said.