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Support for dementia sufferers
21/04/2008
A new funding and support package to improve support and raise awareness of dementia was launched today.
The package includes:
- £600,000 for practical projects offering support and advice for dementia sufferers and their families, immediately following diagnosis
- £10,000 per year for each of the next three years for an innovative arts-in-health project working directly with dementia sufferers
Speaking at a two-day leadership conference of mental health professionals in Glasgow, Public Health Minister Shona Robison outlined plans to invest the money in improving support for patients and carers immediately following the first diagnosis of dementia.
Ms Robison said:
"A diagnosis of dementia can and does have a traumatic effect on all concerned. Everything that can be done to minimise that trauma through immediate help and advice should be done.
"Emerging research shows that there is a need for immediate post-diagnosis support and advice for patients and their families.
"This is why I'm announcing that the Scottish Government will be investing £600,000 over the next three years. I have invited Alzheimer Scotland and the Dementia Services Development Centre to work together to review, refine and submit practical proposals for relevant and accessible support.
"We also have a study underway which will lay the groundwork for a forthcoming public awareness raising and information campaign.
"To this end, I am publishing today the first in what will be an ongoing series of updates on the Scottish Government's key actions around dementia care. The Summary Sheet lists our recent achievements and sets out our immediate next steps."
Ms Robison also met with representatives of Hearts and Minds, whose Elderflowers team uses innovative arts-in-health programmes to support people suffering dementia in hospital and hospice care.
The Minister added:
"I am delighted to announce that the Scottish Government will be providing the Elderflowers with £10,000 each year for the next three years to allow them to continue their inspiring work."
Ms Robison also confirmed an investment of more than £1 million in initiatives to support those suffering anxiety and depression:
"The Scottish Government is committed to improving services for those with anxiety or depression, and this funding is a direct expression of that commitment. Along with our partners in NHS boards and at NHS 24, we are seeking out new ways of helping anxiety and depression sufferers.
"This funding is already being invested in pilot projects delivering accessible, user-friendly phone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In addition, we are looking to invest in new approaches to training and at the delivery of CBT self-help.
"A second Summary Sheet, following the same principles as that for dementia, is also being published today. This draws attention to work already underway and work planned for those with anxiety and depression.
"With today's announcements of new funding of more than £630,000 for dementia and ongoing resources totalling more than £1 million for anxiety and depression, the Scottish Government is making good on its commitments to improve the nation's mental health."