Care South’s Community Fund donates £1,000 to Avon Valley Dementia Pals

Residential and care at home provider and registered charity, Care South, has donated £1,000 to Avon Valley Dementia Pals.

The cause, which operates across Ringwood and Fordingbridge, arranges fortnightly walks for people living with dementia, taking place at various locations, which have recently included Blashford Lakes, and Avon Heath Country Park. Led by volunteers who arrange transport to and from the person’s home, the walks allow people living with dementia, known as ‘Pals’, to enjoy the benefits of exercise, while their partners and loved ones enjoy a few hours of respite.

Some residents from Care South’s Ringwood care home, St Ives House, often join in with the walks, which finish with a visit to a cafe or pub for coffee, cake and a chat.

It is the latest beneficiary of Care South’s Community Fund, operated by the not-for-profit care provider, which gives back to community groups, services and organisations which directly benefit Care South’s care home residents, care at home clients, or staff.

Andy Wilson, Treasurer of Avon Valley Dementia Pals, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation from Care South’s Community Fund, which will cover the costs for our ‘Pals’ to go out for our annual full day excursion. The walks are so important to our ‘Pals’, giving them the opportunity to get out into the community, enjoy the fresh air and spend time with others, while also providing valuable respite for their loved ones.”

Care South’s Community Fund donation was presented to Andy Wilson and Linda Mollison, who volunteer with Avon Valley Dementia Pals, by Simon Bird, CEO of Care South. and Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House.

Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “Through our Community Fund, we proudly support some fantastic organisations that make a positive difference to the communities in which we operate. The values of the volunteers at Avon Valley Dementia Pals perfectly match Care South’s ethos of ‘Food, Fun and Friendship’, so we are pleased to support their incredible work.”