Aberdeen FC Community Trust joined Life Changes Trust for their first national conference on Wednesday 21st September – World Alzheimer’s Day- the theme of the conference was ‘Community and Dementia’.  

The conference focused on what can be learnt from dementia communities across Scotland, both geographical communities and communities of interest.

AFCCT were there to assist in the conference and showcase all the dementia friendly programmes that they run across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

With guest speakers including Chris Wilkins, Co-founder and director of Sporting Memories Network and Ann Pascoe, Director of Dementia Friendly Communities, Helmsdale the event provided a wide range of presentations and activities to make the day engaging and inspirational for all organisations involved.

There were also a number of organisations with information stalls at the event, all of which are funded by Life Changes Trust in one way or another including Sporting Memories Network, Care & Repair, an Lanntair, West Dunbartonshire Allotment, Heart for Art, Alzheimer Scotland, Paths for All, Innovations in Dementia, Age Scotland, Patient Opinion/Talking Mats, Upstream, Scottish Dementia Working Group and National Dementia Carers Action Network.

Earlier this year AFCCT were delighted to announce their Dementia Friendly Programme was being considered for a major European honour after being shortlisted for this year’s European Club Association (ECA) Best Community & Social Responsibility Programme Award.

The Dementia Friendly Programme have been delivered by AFCCT along with key partners including Life Changes Trust and Alzheimer's Scotland, Aberdeen Sports Village, Sport Aberdeen and the Aberdeen City Council Health and Wellbeing Team.

With extensive support from Life Changes Trust, AFCCT has attempted to create an environment suitable for those living with dementia to become involved in health and wellbeing programmes through a person-centred, city-wide partnership approach for people living with dementia.

AFCCT has also been able to develop its own programmes into Dementia Friendly Wellbeing Initiatives and as a result events have been held at Pittodrie Stadium, focused on engaging those living with dementia socially and mentally in a safe and calming atmosphere.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is changing lives for the better and strives to provide support and opportunity to everyone they can across North East Communities.

Thanks to Julie Broadfoot for the fantastic photographs from the conference.

For more information on Life Changes Trust click here, or to find out about the Dementia Friendly Programmes held at Pittodrie Stadium please email david.smith@afccommunitytrust.org