The Alzheimers Scotland West Dunbartonshire Resource Centre in Clydebank is among a small number of groups included in a proposal to reopen dementia care facilities.

Despite the lifting of many lockdown restrictions as Scotland enters phase three on July 15, Alzheimers Scotland and many other charity organisations have been left disappointed as their support services were not included in this phase.

Kevin Black, Locality leader at the Clydebank branch, said the charity will continue to support people in the various ways they have been throughout lockdown, including over the phone and weekly digital carers groups.

He said: “When we can reopen is outwith our control, but we have now submitted proposals to the government to open a small number of our centres, including Clydebank.

“This would be for a very limited service, potentially seeing one or two service users for a few hours in the morning and another handful in the afternoon.

“Unfortunately, we will not be resuming our community projects for some time - including our choir and allotments.”

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Mr Black added that they wanted to remind residents they were still available on the other end of the phone for any questions or even a chat.

He said: “It can get lonely when you are at home caring for someone with dementia, or if you are in the early stages yourself, and the longer lockdown goes on the harder it has become to keep busy.

“Once we have the greenlight to reopen, we will be offering our short-term respite service and we look forward to opening back up as a fully functioning service when it is right and safe to do so.”

Alzheimers Scotland is running a consultation with the Scottish Government on how to reopen dementia care facilities.

If you require support regarding alzheimers and dementia, call Freephone Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 anytime.