Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, yesterday announced a new £1.6 million funding package to improve services for sufferers of dementia, depression and anxiety.
Over three years, £600,000 will be shared between Alzheimer Scotland and the Dementia Services Development Centre in Stirling to improve post-diagnosis support.
Speaking at a conference for mental health professionals in Glasgow Robison said: “A diagnosis of dementia can and does have a traumatic effect on all concerned. Everything that can be done to minimise that trauma through immediate help and advice should be done.”
The £1 million set aside to help depression and anxiety sufferers will be invested in various pilot projects designed to improve both treatment and counsellor training.
Robison said: “This funding is already being invested in pilot projects delivering accessible, user-friendly phone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In addition, we are looking to invest in new approaches to training and at the delivery of CBT self-help.”
Another £10,000 a year has been pledged to Elderflowers, a creative organisation devoted to helping dementia sufferers using art.
Jim Jackson, Chief Executive at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “As more people are diagnosed, Scotland will need to be better prepared to provide personalised support for people with dementia. We look forward to working with our partners in the Dementia Forum and transforming dementia services in Scotland.”
One person has commented on this article. 1. Funding boost for dementia, depression and anxiety announced
click here, Unregistered This is a great news to hear.Thanks for the public health minister for taking care towards public.
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