Town Break Moves Into Clackmannanshire

We are delighted to be delivering services in Clackmannanshire, thanks to a recent grant of £38,845. Town Break is one of 181 charities in Scotland to receive funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Island Communities Ideas into Action fund. This grant was awarded because of the high dementia rates in rural areas and the need for more services in Clackmannanshire.

The funding enables Town Break to deliver groups in Alva, Menstrie and Tillicoultry. There will also be a range of wellbeing activities for Carers, as well as the usual access to one-to-one support through our Carer Services Co-ordinator, Davina.

There are currently over 400 people living with dementia in Clackmannanshire, and some villages have prevalence rates as much as 34% above the Scottish average. Those affected by dementia who also live in rural areas are at even more risk of feeling isolated than those in urban areas. For these reasons, we encourage everyone to stay informed about how they can help their community to be inclusive and supportive of people living with dementia and their Carers.

Last month we held 3 open days in these villages in Clackmannanshire so local people, groups and service providers could find out more about what we offer. All open days were well attended, and we are delighted to be providing new services in Clackmannanshire, and now be operating across the whole of Forth Valley.

Let’s hear it for our first Clackmannanshire Coffee and Blether group in Alva! 

We had an incredible turn out for our first group held in Clackmannanshire. Everyone sat down to a cuppa for a good old blether sharing stories and getting to know each other.

Our Alva group will be running weekly at the Parklands Centre 10.30am - 12.30pm, come join us!

Think about changing the toilet seat.

A contrasting toilet seat can reduce incontinence. As we age, our eyesight deteriorates. For some people, it can be hard to make sense of an environment if everything is the same colour/offers little contrast. Think of a bathroom; if everything is white, it can be hard to determine where the toilet seat is, or where to find the white soap against the white sink. You can understand why an accident may happen if someone needs the toilet, walks into the bathroom, but can’t find the toilet. But if you can add contrast, it can be easier for people to navigate and remain independent. For example, change the colour of the toilet seat, add in colourful handtowels or soap (even add a colourful washcloth underneath the soap).

We want all of our volunteers to join us to discuss everything Town Break. This will include team building, Q&A and a dive into our strategic growth. Please let us know at services if you can attend or phone 01786 641 841.