Santander Foundation make donation to local dementia group

Harlaw Monday Group (HMG) has received £1,000 to help people with dementia and cognitive impairment in Edinburgh

The donation was provided by the Santander Foundation which offers grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The grant will enable HMG to provide equipment, such as hearing aids, as well as activities and outings to its members in the Balerno, Currie, and Juniper Green areas of Edinburgh. Activities include reminiscence therapy, mental stimulation workshops and physical games as well as musical entertainment.

Valerie Clark, Co-ordinator at Harlaw Monday Group (HMG) said: “On behalf of the members, carers, management group and volunteers at HMG I would like to thank the Santander Foundation for its generous grant. It will make such a difference to the quality of service we can provide. It is so nice to see this support for local organisations.”

Laura Robertson, Branch Manager at Santander’s St John’s Road, Edinburgh branch said: “The Santander Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK. Our branch is committed to supporting the local community and we are delighted to be helping the HMG, and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”

HMG is a small group for people with Dementia or Cognitive Impairment (memory problems) who live in the Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green areas of Edinburgh. We take referrals through Social Work and NHS staff who refer to the Resource / Referral group for South West Edinburgh for day care or befriending services.

HMG provides daycare for people with mild to moderate dementia providing mental and physical stimulation and social contact to the member and respite to the carers. The charity has one paid co-ordinator but the rest of the workers, drivers, group workers and management group are all volunteers. Whilst support is received from Edinburgh Council and members pay a minimal fee, donations are essential for the charity to continue its services. For more information, please contact:coordinator@harlawmondaygroup.co.uk.

The Santander Foundation provides grants to UK registered charities that help disadvantaged people in communities where Santander has a presence. The Community Plus fund provides donations of up to £5,000 to small, local charities nominated by customers, staff and the charities themselves. Our Central Grants programme has grants of up to £10,000 available for education, training and financial capability projects. In 2013, £5 million was donated by the Santander Foundation to charities across the UK.  For more information please visit: www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/