Cash boost for Community Interest Company supporting people with dementia

A Hampshire social enterprise which supports people with dementia has received a donation to help it continue its work during the pandemic.

Memoryworks Hampshire CIC received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes South Coast thanks to its Community Champions scheme, which has run since 2015.

The scheme has been supporting the over-70s for the past few months. However, from September 1, the scheme has gone back to its original format and is once again available to all charities, clubs and groups that work with their local communities with two donations of up to £1,000 available every month in the region.

The Community Interest Company, based in Lyndhurst, helps people to live well with dementia by providing cognitive stimulation therapy (CST).

Spokeswoman Elena Prieto-Ruiz said: “It is recommended by NICE guidelines that anyone diagnosed with dementia should have access to CST. It is delivered in a small group with a maximum number of eight participants plus a group facilitator.

“Our aim is to get people's minds active and engaged in a friendly and enjoyable group setting, which helps with social isolation and self-esteem.

“Up to the onset of Covid-19, we ran five groups per week in the New Forest area and had secured further funds to roll out groups to areas of deprivation and isolation. This £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes South Coast will go towards helping the community where it is vitally needed.”

Matt Paine, managing director of Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Memoryworks Hampshire CIC and its work through our Community Champions scheme.”