Meeting Centres Scotland is thrilled to share the news of two groundbreaking grants supporting exciting new projects in the New Year. These awards not only reinforce the success of the Meeting Centre model but also open doors to new possibilities for person-centred dementia care on both national and international stages.

Empowering Change: National Lottery Awards for All Grant

The first award, a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme, will fund a landmark dementia conference in Dundee next year. This event will be a celebration of the incredible growth of Meeting Centres across Scotland and an exploration of their potential on the global stage.

Bringing together people living with dementia, care partners, healthcare professionals, and international experts, the conference aims to:

• Share best practices and success stories.
• Foster collaboration across sectors and communities.
• Inspire future initiatives that advance dementia support and awareness.

Graham Galloway, CEO of Meeting Centres Scotland, expressed his excitement:

“The conference will highlight the incredible impact Meeting Centres have on communities, while also showcasing the model’s potential to transform dementia care worldwide. We are proud to lead these innovations and grateful for the National Lottery’s support.”

Kate Still, Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, emphasised the importance of the initiative:

“National Lottery funding continues to make extraordinary things happen in communities across Scotland.   I am delighted that this funding will be used to support projects like Meeting Centres Scotland’s International Conference, which will allow communities to come together to improve lives.”

A World-First: Meeting Centre at Royal Victoria Hospital

The second grant, an unprecedented £238,136 from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, will fund the development of a Meeting Centre within the Royal Victoria Hospital in Dundee. This initiative marks a historic moment as the first-ever Meeting Centre embedded within a hospital setting.

Designed to support people living with dementia during their hospital stay, this innovative space will provide:

• A welcoming environment for social activities and peer support.
• Resources and guidance for patients and their families.
• Enhanced person-centred care, bridging the gap between clinical and community support.

Suzanne Gray, Dementia Nurse Consultant for NHS Tayside, shared her enthusiasm:

“The opportunity to create a Meeting Centre in our NHS Tayside hospital settings is an exciting prospect for people living with dementia who find themselves requiring in-patient care.  By working together, we can deliver the best possible care by bringing together the benefits of community and socialisation into the hospital area. In taking a person centred approach we can meet the needs of people experiencing complex health and social care needs, whilst at the same time maintaining a vital link with their communities..”

Shelley McCarthy, Chief Officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, added:

“Supporting the development of Meeting Centres is a key priority for the foundation in helping to make people’s lives better, especially while on site in hospital. This project is innovative and will make a big impact for the people of Tayside.”

About Meeting Centres Scotland

Meeting Centres Scotland is a dynamic network dedicated to the growth of Meeting Centres across the country. These community hubs offer tailored support to people living with dementia and their care partners, enhancing wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and fostering a sense of belonging. Inspired by a model pioneered in the Netherlands, Meeting Centres focus on evidence-based practices that address the unique challenges of dementia.

Next Steps and Looking Ahead

The upcoming Dundee conference will be a pivotal moment for reflection and forward-thinking, uniting stakeholders to celebrate achievements and set new aspirations. Simultaneously, the Royal Victoria Meeting Centre will be a benchmark for integrating community support within healthcare settings, ensuring a holistic approach to dementia care.

Meeting Centres Scotland extends heartfelt gratitude to the National Lottery and NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation for their unwavering support. Together, we are reshaping the future of dementia care—in Scotland and beyond.