A Black Isle drop-in cafe for people with dementia, carers and family members is in the running for a national award, less than two years after it first opened.
The Black Isle Dementia Cafe – or D-Caff for short – in Avoch has been named as a finalist in the ‘Best Community Support Initiative’ category of Scotland’s Dementia Awards 2014.
Two other initiatives have been shortlisted in this category, with the winners to be announced at an event in Glasgow on September 25.
The cafe was set up following a public meeting called by the late Black Isle councillor Billy Barclay, who was supported in his efforts by Alzheimer Scotland and NHS Highland.
It now meets on alternate Thursdays in the villages Church of Scotland hall and offers a support service for Black Isle residents and carers living with dementia.
The Black Isle has around 160 residents who have dementia, and the cafe has come to be recognised as a valuable resource for people with dementia and their carers.
Community activities coordinator,Jo Sykes runs the cafe with the support of community volunteers.
She said “We are delighted that D-Caff has been recognised in this prestigious awards scheme.
“Thanks to support from local councillors, health and social care colleagues, and our wonderful volunteers and fundraisers the cafe is proving to be very popular.
“We feel it is important to have a friendly and supportive environment for people with dementia and their carers, and D-Caff aims to provide that.”
Nigel Small, director of operations for NHS Highland’s South and Mid Operational Unit, which includes the Black Isle, said: “Run by trained volunteers, the Black Isle Dementia Café is a great example of a community rallying round to support others.
“It’s gone from strength to strength since it first opened in April 2013 and I am sure it will continue to play an important role both in supporting those with dementia and those affected by it, and in raising awareness of issues surrounding dementia.
“Being named as a finalist in Scotland’s Dementia Awards is a superb achievement for such a relatively new initiative.”