Supporting People Living with Dementia and Their Carers
Kirkcudbright Development Trust is proud to announce the launch of a new Meeting Centre in The Johnston, in partnership with Meeting Centres Scotland. The Johnston Connection – will officially open its doors to the community on 16th September offering vital support to individuals living with dementia and their carers in Kirkcudbright and the surrounding area.
The new Meeting Centre is part of a growing movement across Scotland to provide welcoming, accessible spaces where people affected by dementia can come together for social connection, peer support, and tailored activities that enhance wellbeing. The initiative is built around the internationally recognised Meeting Centre model, which focuses on person-centred care, community inclusion, and resilience building.
Kirkcudbright Development Trust Chair Lesley Garbutt said:
“We are delighted to launch this important new service in Kirkcudbright. The Johnston Connection will provide a warm, friendly environment where those living with dementia and their families can feel supported, respected, and valued. This is a major step forward in making Kirkcudbright a dementia-inclusive community.”
The Johnston Connection will operate every Tuesday from 10am – 3pm and offer a programme of stimulating activities, informal advice, and opportunities for families and carers to connect and support one another. The launch is being delivered in close collaboration with Meeting Centres Scotland, a national body supporting the development of these centres across the country. Meeting Centres Scotland provides training, guidance, and resources to help local communities deliver effective and sustainable dementia support.
Lorna Hart Thomson Meeting Centres Scotland representative added:
“We are delighted to be working with the Kirkcudbright community to develop ‘The Johnston Connection’ a name chosen by participants who attended the community workshop, underpins how The Johnston brings people together and connects them well with supports, services and friendships. Feedback from residents mentioned that they are really looking forward to the Meeting Centre opening because unfortunately there is nothing quite like it in the area, while others are actively fundraising to raise monies and awareness of the new support.
Meeting Centres work with 11 Essential Features, which include people living with dementia leading their own support, being involved with all the decision making and ensuring that the whole family is involved throughout the diagnosis because adjusting life to living with dementia can be difficult, however, with The Johnston Connection about to open their doors, living life with dementia may just feel a little bit easier. As there will be offerings of therapeutic and sensory activities as well as carer support and friendships created.”
For more information about the Johnston Connection or to get involved, please contact Debbie Craig, Community Development Officer on debbie.craig@kdt.org.uk
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