North Edinburgh Dementia Care partnership with local school wins national award

A project between a North Edinburgh dementia care centre and primary school has won a national award.

Pupils from Craigentinny Primary School enjoying a Thursday visit to the care centre.

North Edinburgh Dementia Care and Craigentinny Primary School have won the Patrick Brooks Award for Best Working Partnership at this years Age Scotland Awards.

The award recognises partnerships that have made an outstanding contribution to addressing the needs of older people.

Established last June, the care centre invited a group of pupils from Craigentinny Primary School along to a day event.

This was a huge success and the pupils, all of whom have an autism diagnosis, visit every Thursday to interact and join members in a wide-ranging programme of events.

Focusing on a different theme each week, together they took part in stimulating activities such as gardening, singing, baking and arts and crafts.

Acting Principal Teacher of Language and Communication Classes at Craigentinny Primary School, Julie Sutherland said pupils were delighted to receive this award.

She said: "The children at Craigentinny Primary School's Language and Communication Classes are delighted to be recognised for their inclusion in this project which they had so much fun being part of.

“It has shown us the power of intergenerational relationships, giving the children valuable opportunities to communicate and build connections. They are very thankful for the efforts of everyone involved and are looking forward to the time when they can visit again.”

While the project has been put on hold due to Covid-19 regulations volunteers and staff still provide activities and support through online resources.

North Edinburgh Dementia Care’s manager Susan Cull said that all members of the group are looking forward to the project reopening.

Ms Cull said: “We look forward to the day we can resume this amazing project and welcome our members and the pupils back to our lovely centre.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said the project demonstrates the importance of intergenerational bonding and skill sharing.

He said: “It’s an absolute joy to see how much both members and pupils have benefitted from spending time together as part of this project, and it goes to show just how important it is to encourage building relationships and sharing skills between generations.”

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