A MEETING centre for people affected by dementia has been launched in Musselburgh.

Musselburgh Meeting Centre, run by Dementia Friendly East Lothian and funded by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, offers people affected by dementia, unpaid carers and families the chance to access friendly and community-based support that works for them.

Meeting centres are based on evidence of what helps people to cope well in adjusting to living with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings.

The new service was highlighted during Dementia Friendly East Lothian’s (DFEL) Gathering in Haddington last month.

More than 80 people attended the event, which was opened by Councillor Shamin Akhtar, chairperson of East Lothian Integration Joint Board.

She said: “I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the Dementia Friendly East Lothian team and all the volunteers for organising a great event.

“As the chair of East Lothian Integration Joint Board, it gave me the opportunity to hear the every-day experiences and challenges that people with dementia face and their care givers face, and to also celebrate the great work that has been happening locally such as the establishment of the Musselburgh Meeting Centre.

“As our population grows, it’s imperative that we work alongside local community-based organisations to enable us to provide the right people-centred support.”

The day brought together people from the new meeting centre, DFEL’s friendship groups and Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Cafes and walking groups, along with staff and volunteers from DFEL, ELHSCP, East Lothian Council area partnerships, Alzheimer Scotland, and a range of community and voluntary bodies.

Sue Northrop, DFEL founder, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people together again.

“Despite Covid, DFEL has made major progress with the opening of our new meeting centre in Musselburgh, funded by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership. We’re looking forward to developing the model across East Lothian, working with communities and partners.

“We are also very grateful to Age Scotland About Dementia’s Empowering Dementia Friendly Communities funding, which has played a major role in helping us get here and funded our event today.”

The Musselburgh meeting centre is East Lothian’s first meeting centre.

Dementia Friendly East Lothian is developing the meeting centre model in East Lothian, linked closely with local friendship groups, Dementia Friendly Communities and training.

The aim is to help people living with dementia and unpaid carers/care partners find friendship, mutual support and fun, and get expert help when they need it.