Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
21
Sept 2020
Dementia charity warns of impact of second lockdown
The chief executive of Ripon charity Dementia Forward has warned that a second national lockdown would heighten distress for people with dementia and their families.
Jill Quinn, whose charity provides services across North Yorkshire, acknowledged the government faced difficult decisions about how to respond to rising levels of infections.
But she said the impact of the first lockdown and ongoing restrictions had already had serious implications for dementia sufferers.
Speaking on World Alzheimer's Day today, Ms Quinn said:
Ms Quinn said Dementia Forward had lost between £50,000 and £100,000 of fundraising this year due to events being cancelled.
Read more:
- Harrogate charity sees 44% increase in counselling referrals
- Former Ashville pupil to swim English Channel for charity
Fundraising accounts for about half of the charity's income. The other half is derived from providing services for North Yorkshire County Council.
The charity, which had 4,000 families on its books at the time of lockdown, furloughed six of its 29 staff.
It has had to postpone weekly pop-up wellbeing cafes and day services.
This loss of services has had detrimental effects on beneficiaries, many of whom don't understand the rules on social distancing and hand hygiene.
Ms Quinn said:
0