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18
Nov 2023
This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let's not forget who needs our help this Christmas.
Today, Flora spoke to someone on the helpline team.
It was then that Keith spotted George Armitage House, Dementia Forward’s flagship hub in the village, and realised he wanted to give something back in his retirement.
He was offered a position as a volunteer bus driver in 2016 and spent five happy years transporting people across the county.
The minibus allows people to access vital care that they may not otherwise be able to access, and helps to combat loneliness those living with dementia may feel. It is also used to take people on day trips out and to social events, like going to the beach, to art galleries or even just to a café for a cup of tea.
Keith added:
Two years ago, Keith was offered a position on the helpline.
The helpline is the first point of contact for those with dementia-related enquiries.
The advisers help anyone in need -- including family members, clients and medical practitioners -- whether it's providing emotional guidance to people losing their loved ones, or support on how to find dementia care.
It covers the whole of North Yorkshire and refers people to dementia experts in their local area or district.
Keith said:
Dementia Forward's flagship hub, George Armitage House
The helpline is one of many amazing services on offer for those living with this life changing disease, as well as their loved ones. Keith added:
Dementia Forward helps hundreds of families across the Harrogate district every day. The charity eases the pain as much as it can – but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.
Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.
The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the UK. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.
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