Canal Trip & Fundraising Launch for The DSMC
Published on 04 June 2018 04:00 PM
Local community services came together to provide a wonderful day trip for the Droitwich Spa Meeting Centre members, who live with early on-set and moderate dementia.
The members were aboard the ‘Pamela May’, Droitwich’s community canal barge, taking a scenic trip from Vines Park to Droitwich Marina. The boat trip is part of an event marking the nationwide campaign: Dementia Action Week 2018.
Members and their carers were joined by members of the community, including Tony Rowley, Chairman of Wychavon District Council as well as local businessman Matt Nicol – who is helping to support the launch of the meeting centre’s Just Giving campaign, as a champion of community focused fundraising projects.
Thanks to Nicol & Co, this great video is helping to inform people what goes on at the centre - and what it means to it's members.
Natasha Green, Independent Living Manager said, “The boat trip has only been made possible due to the fantastic show of support from the local community, so a great big thank you to them all!”
The fully disability friendly barge is owned by Droitwich Waterways Trust, and crewed by RYA qualified volunteers. Droitwich CVS provided transport for members to and from the centre which is held 3 days a week at the Droitwich Rugby Club near Hanbury.
Droitwich Spa Marina opened its doors (and waterways) to members and guests for the day, and catering was supplied by Waitrose Droitwich. The event was part funded by a donation from the Droitwich Spa Rotary Club and Inner Wheel.
Alongside the canal trip members enjoyed one of their regular activities - seated Tai Chi, one of many sessions held weekly at the club. Other regular activities include singing and dancing, animal therapy, reminiscence and adapted sports.
The centre, which was originally run in partnership by Alzheimer’s Society and University of Worcester is now governed by a board of trustees as the DSMC CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation), with Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire providing the support programme.
However, lack of funding is a serious concern to the future of what has become an invaluable meeting centre to its members. One member, Jeff - who is an RAF Veteran -is joining the call for more members to help keep the club going!
To keep the service running for a year, and help more people adapting to a life with dementia the online fundraising campaign hopes to raise between £65,000 – £80,000. You can donate to the Just Gving campaign here.
