The leaders of Scotland’s major political parties have united behind the Daily Mail’s campaign to support people caring for loved ones with dementia.
First Minister John Swinney joined fellow Holyrood leaders in backing the Dementia Carers Together appeal, which aims to create a pioneering support network for friends and relatives caring for someone with the condition.
The campaign is seeking to raise millions of pounds to fund nationwide six-week courses for dementia carers. It has attracted support from politicians across Scotland’s political spectrum and from parties throughout the UK.
Mr Swinney said: ‘Unpaid dementia carers provide extraordinary support to the people they love, but caring should not come at the cost of their own health and wellbeing.
‘When a friend or family member receives a dementia diagnosis, it is completely natural to feel unsure about what to do. It can be an incredibly difficult and overwhelming period, but we all have a part to play in supporting those close to us.
‘That is why initiatives such as Dementia Carers Together are so valuable. They help carers find the information, assistance and connections they need at every stage of their dementia journey.’
John Swinney and Malcolm Offord have both backed the Mail’s campaign
Michael Marra and Russell Findlay highlighted the importance of supporting carers
Run in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland, the courses will provide families and friends with essential guidance on their rights and the services available to them.
They will also give participants the chance to connect with people facing similar experiences, helping to tackle the isolation, fatigue and immense pressure that can follow a loved one’s diagnosis.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: ‘I strongly welcome the Daily Mail’s excellent and timely campaign to support people living with the effects of this devastating disease.
‘Working alongside specialists and charities such as Alzheimer Scotland can ease the strain on those caring for relatives and friends. I encourage everyone who can to contribute to this important cause.’
Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra, who has called for greater action on dementia among former professional footballers who headed footballs, said: ‘This is an important campaign, and I commend Alzheimer Scotland and The Scottish Daily Mail for bringing greater attention to the issue.
‘I have spent many years calling for better support for former professional footballers in Scotland living with dementia, so I understand why urgent action is needed.
‘Carers perform an extraordinary role, but we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the help required to continue supporting others.
‘These courses will offer practical advice and information, helping carers find and access the support available to them.’
Reform UK’s Scottish leader Malcolm Offord said: ‘At some point in life, everyone will owe carers a huge debt of gratitude. They deserve not only our thanks, but our wholehearted support.
‘Dementia is among the most distressing conditions a family can face, and unpaid carers must not be left feeling overlooked or alone.
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‘Hundreds of these six-week courses will help carers understand their rights, build connections with others in the same position and protect their own wellbeing while caring for someone else.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay was pleased to support the Mail’s campaign
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the campaign was ‘vital’
‘This is a powerful campaign that places support and resilience at the heart of caring, helping to ensure people do not feel abandoned while selflessly looking after loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia.’
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: ‘Dementia affects entire families, and no one should be expected to face its challenges without help. Relatives often take on caring duties while also dealing with the emotional impact of a loved one’s diagnosis.
‘Having access to advice, reassurance and someone who understands can make an enormous difference. I would urge anyone who is able to support this campaign to do so. Alzheimer Scotland provides vital assistance to people living with dementia and those who care for them.
‘I am pleased to back this campaign and help more families reach that support at the time they need it most.’
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘I am delighted to support Dementia Carers Together, which will offer a lifeline to people confronting some of the most challenging circumstances in life. As the population grows older, increasing numbers of us will care for relatives or friends with dementia. Too many are currently left without proper support, sometimes for many exhausting years.
‘Family and friends who provide care are an unseen, unpaid workforce carrying out some of the toughest work imaginable. We cannot expect them to cope alone. Dementia Carers Together is an essential step towards ensuring that carers receive care and support themselves.’
Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is available seven days a week, 365 days a year, on 0808 303 3000. Or visit www.alzscot.org