Alzheimer Scotland: Supporting Those Affected by Dementia in West Highland

Dementia is a condition that affects not only the individuals diagnosed but also their families, friends, and carers. In West Highland, we’re fortunate to have Alzheimer Scotland providing valuable resources and support for those impacted by dementia. Lesley Hellon - the Dementia Advisor for the region, and Diane Smith - Community Activities Organiser - lead a range of services to help people living with dementia, their carers, and anyone seeking more information about dementia and the services available to support them.

Dementia Friends Training

One of the best ways to create a supportive and understanding community for those affected by dementia is through education. That’s why Alzheimer Scotland offers free Dementia Friends Training to anyone interested. This one-hour session is designed to raise awareness about dementia and provide practical advice on how we can all make a positive difference in the lives of those affected. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn how small actions can help create a dementia-friendly environment.

Informal Presentations About Alzheimer Scotland’s Services

If you or your group are looking to know more about the services Alzheimer Scotland offers locally, Lesley is available to give informal presentations. Whether you belong to a community group, a workplace, or are just curious about how Alzheimer Scotland can help, these presentations provide a great chance to get answers and learn more about the available services.

Home Visits and Support

Accessing support can be difficult, especially if you or someone you care for is living with dementia. That’s why Alzheimer Scotland offers home visits for people living with dementia and their carers, even before a formal diagnosis. Early support is key, and the team is there to listen, provide guidance, and help you access the resources and support you need.

Community Groups, Cafes, and Activities

At Alzheimer Scotland, they understand that being part of a supportive community is essential for maintaining well-being. That’s why they offer a range of community groups, cafes, and activities, both in-person and online. These sessions are designed to bring people together, offering a safe space to share experiences, get advice, and build connections with others who understand the challenges of living with dementia. The groups are for anyone affected by dementia or worried about their memory, their friends, family and carers.

Groups and events are always a relaxed and informal opportunity to meet up over a cuppa and are held in community venues around Skye and Lochalsh, including an exciting new project in association with RagTag with support from a craft tutor to enjoy fun and therapeutic crafting activities.

For people who may not find it easy to attend groups in person, online groups are a great way to stay connected and involved. The groups can be accessed on any PC, laptop, or tablet. Once a week on a Wednesday, there is an online Reminiscence Bingo game with different themes each time such as kinds of wild flowers, old movies or world travel and once a month Webb, the friendly dementia dog comes online and chooses the numbers!

Once a month there is an online Gaelic Songs and Conversation group hosted by a different singer/musician each time involving a mixture of tunes, songs and chat in Gaelic. The group is open to both Gaelic and non Gaelic speakers and everyone is welcome to join in with the chat, or just listen in. Often the group is also joined online by pupils from local Gaelic Primary Schools who also give some musical performances. There is an online ceilidh every Friday morning with various musicians performing traditional songs & tunes in both English and Gaelic – again, all welcome to join in, or just listen.

Be sure to check local social media for updates on these opportunities, so you don’t miss any upcoming events or activities that could benefit you or a loved one. Alzheimer Scotland produces a monthly What’s On Guide with full details of all the events and groups available and who to contact for more information about coming along which can be downloaded from their website: https://www.alzscot.org/centre/west-highland/. You can also contact Lesley Hellon and ask to be added to the email list to get regular updates on what’s on

Strùpag is Ceòl – Gaelic Music and Conversation in Portree

A wonderful opportunity to connect through culture and conversation is the monthly Strùpag is Ceòl group at Shepherds Way Church in Portree. Held on the last Friday of each month from 2pm to 3.30pm in the church’s welcoming building, the group is open to people living with dementia or memory loss, along with their family, friends, carers, and supportive community members. While it offers a special space for Gaelic speakers to come together, everyone is welcome—Gaelic speaker or not. Each month features performances from talented Gaelic musicians and singers, and sometimes pupils from local schools, Highland dancers, or even fascinating presentations from the Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre. This group, along with the online Gaelic group, is kindly supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, whose funding makes these valuable cultural connections possible.

🕒 Day	🎉 Event	📍 Location / Access	👥 Who Can Join
Wednesdays	🎲 Online Reminiscence Bingo Fun themed bingo – wildflowers, movies, world travel. Webb the dementia dog joins monthly!	💻 Online (PC, laptop, tablet)	Open to all
Fridays (morning)	🎶 Online Ceilidh Traditional music in Gaelic & English	💻 Online	Everyone welcome – join in, or just listen
Last Friday of each month	🎼 Strùpag is Ceòl Gaelic music & conversation, Highland dancers, local history talks	🏠 Shepherds Way Church, Portree🕑 2pm – 3.30pm	People with dementia, carers, family, Gaelic speakers & learners
Monthly	🎵 Online Gaelic Songs & Conversation Group Hosted by musicians, with occasional performances by local school pupils	💻 Online	Gaelic & non-Gaelic speakers welcome
Ongoing	🧶 Community Groups, Cafes & RagTag Craft ProjectSocial, creative sessions with a tutor	📍 Skye & Lochalsh venues	Anyone affected by dementia or memory loss

💬 Service	📍 Where	📅 When	👥 Who
🏡 Home Visits & Carer Support	In your home	By arrangement	People living with dementia, carers
🎓 Dementia Friends Training	In-person or online	On request	Open to all
📣 Informal Presentations	Community groups, workplaces, online	On request	Anyone curious about services
📄 What’s On Guide	alzscot.org/centre/west-highland	Updated monthly	Everyone – sign up for email updates from Lesley Hellon

Get Involved and Access Support Today

If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, or if you want to learn more about the condition and how to be part of a more supportive community, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it's attending a Dementia Friends session, joining a local group, or arranging a home visit for support, Alzheimer Scotland is there to help.

For more information, or to arrange a session or visit, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can build a more compassionate, understanding community for those living with dementia in West Highland.