New Kirkcudbright meeting centre aims to provide support for people with dementia
A new project offering support to people living with dementia will open in Kirkcudbright next month.
A new meeting centre will open in The Johnston on September 16 thanks to work between Kirkcudbright Development Trust and Meeting Centres Scotland.
The new meeting centre – called The Johnston Connection – is part of a growing movement across Scotland to provide welcoming, accessible spaces where people affected by dementia can come together for social connection, peer support, and tailored activities that enhance wellbeing.
The initiative is built around the internationally recognised meeting centre model, which focuses on person-centred care, community inclusion, and resilience building.
Kirkcudbright Development Trust chairman, Lesley Garbutt, said: 'We are delighted to launch this important new service in Kirkcudbright. The Johnston Connection will provide a warm, friendly environment where those living with dementia and their families can feel supported, respected, and valued.
'This is a major step forward in making Kirkcudbright a dementia-inclusive community.'
To help get the new project off the ground,Laura Sadek is tackling the Great North Run half marathon in September to raise funds.
Laura – maiden name Kerr – said: 'I am really excited about the opening of the new meeting centre and how inclusive it is going to be.
'When people experience cognitive changes, it can feel quite isolating for some. The meeting centre aims to bring those people and their families together in a welcoming and supportive environment.
'They are looking to offer a range of different activities, chosen by those who come along, but some people may choose to come along for a cuppa, a chat (or both) and they will be equally as welcome. It will basically be there for people to get out of it what they want to.
'I am grateful for each and every donation made towards such an important resource for those living with dementia and their families in our beautiful wee town and surrounding areas.'
To sponsor Laura, visit JustGiving.
Once launched, The Johnston Connection will run from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday and offer a programme of stimulating activities, informal advice, and opportunities for families and carers to connect and support one another.
The launch is being delivered in close collaboration with Meeting Centres Scotland, which supports the development of centres across the country by providing training, guidance, and resources to help local communities deliver effective and sustainable dementia support.
Meeting Centres Scotland representative, Lorna Hart, said: 'We are delighted to be working with the Kirkcudbright community to develop The Johnston Connection. The name was chosen by participants who attended the community workshop and underpins how The Johnston brings people together and connects them well with supports, services and friendships.
'Feedback from residents mentioned that they are really looking forward to the meeting centre opening because unfortunately there is nothing quite like it in the area, while others are actively fundraising to raise monies and awareness of the new support.
Meeting centres work with 11 essential features, which include people living with dementia leading their own support, being involved with all the decision making and ensuring that the whole family is involved throughout the diagnosis.
Adjusting life to living with dementia can be difficult, however, with The Johnston Connection about to open their doors, living life with dementia may just feel a little bit easier as there will be offerings of therapeutic and sensory activities as well as carer support and friendships created.
For more information about the Johnston Connection or to get involved, contact community development officer Debbie Craig at Debbie.craig@kdt.org.uk
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The Johnston Connection will begin in September - with Laura Sadek tackling the Great North Run to raise funds for the new project. A new project offering support to people living with dementia will open in Kirkcudbright next month. A new meeting centre will open in The Johnston on September 16 thanks to work between Kirkcudbright Development Trust and Meeting Centres Scotland. The new meeting centre – called The Johnston Connection – is part of a growing movement across Scotland to provide welcoming, accessible spaces where people affected by dementia can come together for social connection, peer support, and tailored activities that enhance wellbeing. The initiative is built around the internationally recognised meeting centre model, which focuses on person-centred care, community inclusion, and resilience building. Kirkcudbright Development Trust chairman, Lesley Garbutt, said: 'We are delighted to launch this important new service in Kirkcudbright. The Johnston Connection will provide a warm, friendly environment where those living with dementia and their families can feel supported, respected, and valued. 'This is a major step forward in making Kirkcudbright a dementia-inclusive community.' To help get the new project off the ground,Laura Sadek is tackling the Great North Run half marathon in September to raise funds. Laura – maiden name Kerr – said: 'I am really excited about the opening of the new meeting centre and how inclusive it is going to be. 'When people experience cognitive changes, it can feel quite isolating for some. The meeting centre aims to bring those people and their families together in a welcoming and supportive environment. 'They are looking to offer a range of different activities, chosen by those who come along, but some people may choose to come along for a cuppa, a chat (or both) and they will be equally as welcome. It will basically be there for people to get out of it what they want to. 'I am grateful for each and every donation made towards such an important resource for those living with dementia and their families in our beautiful wee town and surrounding areas.' To sponsor Laura, visit JustGiving. Once launched, The Johnston Connection will run from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday and offer a programme of stimulating activities, informal advice, and opportunities for families and carers to connect and support one another. The launch is being delivered in close collaboration with Meeting Centres Scotland, which supports the development of centres across the country by providing training, guidance, and resources to help local communities deliver effective and sustainable dementia support. Meeting Centres Scotland representative, Lorna Hart, said: 'We are delighted to be working with the Kirkcudbright community to develop The Johnston Connection. The name was chosen by participants who attended the community workshop and underpins how The Johnston brings people together and connects them well with supports, services and friendships. 'Feedback from residents mentioned that they are really looking forward to the meeting centre opening because unfortunately there is nothing quite like it in the area, while others are actively fundraising to raise monies and awareness of the new support. Meeting centres work with 11 essential features, which include people living with dementia leading their own support, being involved with all the decision making and ensuring that the whole family is involved throughout the diagnosis. Adjusting life to living with dementia can be difficult, however, with The Johnston Connection about to open their doors, living life with dementia may just feel a little bit easier as there will be offerings of therapeutic and sensory activities as well as carer support and friendships created. For more information about the Johnston Connection or to get involved, contact community development officer Debbie Craig at
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