EFFORTS to make Dollar a dementia-friendly community are underway thanks to a funding boost.

Dollar Community Development Trust (DCDT) has been awarded £10,000 to deliver its Our Connected Dollar project.

The dementia-friendly initiative will involve working with statutory and charity organisations, healthcare providers, churches, businesses and the wider community in the area to build a network of support and awareness.

The Hive, the trust's community centre, will also be made dementia friendly and where possible, environmental audits and improvements will be carried out around the the town.

As part of the project, hailed as an exciting opportunity for Dollar, a part-time project officer role has been created with the trust looking to hire.

Funding for the project comes from the Life Changes Trust which is supported financially by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The initiative has already received support from the Playpen Café's lunch club, The Sorting Office and Alzheimer Scotland.

The project is also backed by Dr Helen Randfield, of Dollar Health Centre, who said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, we have all been affected severely but one of the groups we have seen most affected are those with dementia – all of the services which supported them have stopped and are struggling to see how they can restart.

“The pressure on carers and families has been huge.

“Prior to the pandemic the services at The Hive were starting to make a real difference to our community and the volunteers who helped out initially were a great support to those trapped at home and in fear.

“As we emerge, we have seen a lot of enthusiasm from the Dollar Community Development Trust, with lots of ideas to restart services and harness the energy of community volunteers working alongside those already involved in providing for the vulnerable in Dollar.

“DCDT have realistic and comprehensive plans which should make a real difference to those with dementia in our community and we thoroughly support the efforts and look forward to working alongside them.”

Those interested in supporting the initiative as part-time project officer can find more information on the trust's Facebook page or visit dollarcdt.com.