The Living Well Project

The Living Well Project was set up in 2010 to serve local communities and the vulnerable people within them. The Project achieved charitable status in 2011 and encompasses the Befriending Service and, from 2015, the Living Well Dementia Cafés. The aims of the charity are to improve the physical, emotional and social wellbeing for those socially isolated and also to offer support to those living with dementia. The Befriending Service aims to reach out to those older people living in the north of Aberdeen who are lonely and socially isolated, and they are suitably matched with a volunteer befriender on a one-to-one basis. From comments received, there is a marked reduction in loneliness (which has added benefits of improved physical health and psychological wellbeing); increased self-confidence, self-worth and motivation. It also offers opportunities for those isolated to be taken outside the home for a walk or for a coffee. We have three Living Well Cafés in Aberdeen – Brimmond, Oldmachar, and Devana, we are hoping to open at Hillside in the near future. The cafés offer a safe and welcoming environment to those people in local communities affected by dementia or memory loss in Aberdeen. We provide much needed support, not only to people living with dementia but also to their carers with whom the burden of responsibility lies. We offer information and signposting to organisations which may be able to provide a service or help in other practical ways. Carers have the opportunity to spend time with others travelling on a similar journey, without being judged and friendships are formed which continue outwith the cafes. We offer a variety of activities at the cafés with a strong emphasis on music. It has been proven that music can have a positive effect on those living with dementia. It provides a way to connect when verbal communication is difficult. We secure the services of local musical entertainers and encourage people to sing and dance. Dementia is a cruel and debilitating illness and our aim is to help and support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, as well as their unpaid carers, and to bring a smile and some happiness in their lives at that particular moment.