Jo Dyke, Community and Membership Adviser at the Heart of England Co-operative Society (second left) and Ryan Stanley, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society (second right) with Joe Arnold and Beverly Walbyoff, of The Co-operative Store in Attleborough, Nuneaton.
Thursday, March 21st, 2022
The Heart of England Co-operative Society has donated £33,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society, to help families in Coventry and Warwickshire affected by dementia.
The donation follows a two-year partnership with the charity which started at the same time as Covid, resulting in the Alzheimer’s Society adapting its support from face-to-face to virtual services, for thousands of people locally.
During the course of the two years Alzheimer’s Society’s services became a lifeline to many, with the extremely damaging side effects of lockdown – isolation, social care service reductions and a loss of routine and social interaction – leading to shocking levels of decline in people living with dementia.
More recently, Alzheimer’s Society has been able to reintroduce many in person services, benefiting more than 12,000 people across the area.
Natalie Mayo, Regional Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the West Midlands, said: “We’d like to thank the Heart of England Co-operative Society for their incredible support over the last two years. The money has helped people living with dementia across Coventry and Warwickshire, supporting our telephone hub Dementia Advisers, Singing for the Brain service and our local Dementia Voice groups and will continue to do so.”
She added: “The pandemic has been catastrophic for people affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s Society’s services, like our Dementia Connect support line, being used over six million times since lockdown began in March 2020.
“Every pound raised by the Heart of England Co-operative Society will help support over 8,900 people in Warwickshire and over 3,900 people in Coventry affected by dementia.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Ali Kurji is the Chief Executive of the Heart of England Co-operative Society. He said: “Our Society has been delighted to support Alzheimer’s Society through the partnership which was started at virtually the same time that Covid arrived in the UK.
“Every charity has felt the full force of Covid19, not only through the drop in income but also as a result of the surge in demand for their services as the pandemic and associated lockdowns took their toll on everyday life.
“Alzheimer’s Society provides an invaluable service to families in Coventry and Warwickshire and we are delighted to have helped play a part in bridging the gap in raising some of those much-needed funds.
“We wish the charity every success in the future.”
Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia. If you or anyone you know is worried about their memory, call the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
Back to newsline