Scots Lane Alzheimer’s Support club a ‘vibrant and happy’ place
And they've had a big donation from the National Lottery
Last updated 7th Jul 2023
Salisbury's new Alzheimer’s Support day centre has been described as a ‘vibrant and happy’ place by the charity’s CEO.
Speaking at the Grand Opening, Sarah Marriot told us she was delighted that the Scots Lane site had been opened:
“It’s been a bit of an uphill battle over the last 18 months or so to get it open, but we’re just delighted that the community came together to support us.”
Various fundraisers, volunteers and charity staff were in attendance to see what their efforts had helped make possible.
The first members and volunteers were welcomed at the end of March after a fundraising appeal smashed over £100,000.
National Lottery donation
And, in an added bonus, the National Lottery has agreed to partially support the clubs’ operational costs for the next three years, with a donation of £76,604 being made.
The purpose-built day club features an indoor garden area, open-plan kitchen and space for activities such as arts and crafts and music.
But the creation, led by volunteer project manager Alan Sharpe, whose wife Kate is Head of Community Services for the charity, couldn’t have been achieved without the funds raised by local people.
“People have spread awareness of the activities we do in schools, local clubs and charities,” Sarah told us, adding: “They’ve skydived for us, run challenge events, baked and painted, but they’ve also come and done practical help.”
Much-needed centre
The Scots Lane day club is the fourth centre for the Wiltshire-based charity, with others in Devizes, Warminster and Trowbridge.
Sarah told us that it had been clear to them for a while that they needed a centre in Salisbury.
“Salisbury had been saying for a while that there was a real need and there a lack of Dementia services here.”
Sarah added that they had been ‘lucky’ to find a location so close to the City centre.
The day club offers a day of respite for carers of people with Dementia, while also offering a fun place for members.
Members attend on set days of the week, allowing them to feel part of a community and build friendships at the club.
And as a secondary benefit, the Scots Lane centre houses an office where people can find out more information about Alzheimer’s Support or share concerns about memory.