David Chambers chats with members of one of the groups that will benefit from the support programme at Age UK Scarborough
Around 150 local people with memory issues and their carers will receive help and support thanks to a grant from Yorkshire North and East Ridings Freemasons.
The £60,000 grant will support Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors to deliver a support programme in the Scarborough and Ryedale districts, to enhance and enrich the lives of those with dementia and memory loss, plus their carers and families. The programme will focus on befriending support and will incorporate events such as memory cafes and wellbeing walks to ensure that those who are diagnosed with dementia and those affected by it find the support network they need.
The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and their families by providing specialised assistance and support. A dedicated volunteer will provide tailored support to assist in navigating the unique challenges presented by dementia and memory loss.
The grant will also fund outreach work in the local community to raise awareness of the impact of dementia on people’s lives.
An increasing number of individuals in Scarborough and surrounding villages are experiencing mild to moderate cognitive difficulties. Currently, dementia diagnoses in Scarborough are recorded at approx. 1,173 cases; however, NHS estimates suggest the actual figure may be closer to 2,000. Additionally, approximately 817 individuals are not yet formally diagnosed, as they are likely in the assessment process, which can take up to 18 months. The diagnostic process can be challenging due to hospital backlogs and appointment changes for various reasons, contributing to patient anxiety and stress. The majority of cases involve older adults; the risk of developing dementia increases after age 65, reaching a peak in men in their early 80s, where approximately 25 per cent are affected, and in women in their late 80s, with a prevalence of 27 per cent.
Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors provides social prescribing services to patients, many of whom are aware of resources offered by the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Forward. However, various factors—such as denial, fear of the unknown, stigma, or stress—may prevent individuals from engaging with these services. Social Prescribers are actively engaging with individuals to address these barriers through meaningful conversations. Despite these efforts, there remains a significant number of people who are either awaiting diagnosis or aware that they experience memory issues. Data collected from this service has highlighted critical gaps in support, underscoring opportunities for improvement that could positively impact those affected by memory loss or dementia.
The grant from the Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Steve Carr, the Wellbeing Manager at Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors said:
“We’re very grateful to Yorkshire Freemasons for their generous grant and are delighted to be able to put plans in place to meet the needs of this vulnerable group of people and their families. We feel that there’s an unmet need in terms of support and care for the challenges that are faced by people with dementia and memory loss. We hope this new initiative will improve the quality of life for many people in this community.”
David Chambers, Head of Yorkshire North and East Ridings Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Age UK with their hugely important project to help local people living with dementia and memory loss. The numbers of people in the Scarborough and Ryedale area with these conditions are rising and there’s an urgent need for the help and support this wonderful charity is offering.”
