Funding boost for dementia charity

A MALTBY-BASED charity which helps people with dementia has had a double funding boost to the tune of £20,000.

Lost Chord has been awarded the money in two separate grants - a welcome boost in the current economic climate.

The charity, which uses music to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for people suffering with dementia, has received £10,000 from Big Lottery Fund’s Supporting Change Funding and £10,000 from Awards For All.

Chief executive Helena Muller said the first grant was awarded to help face the challenges of the present financial climate.

The funding will pay for a feasibility study looking into setting up a charity shop - to help produce a consistent stream of funding and encourage further community support - and an external assessment of the charity to help develop improved business models and streamline procedures.

The money will also pay for membership of the National Dementia Action Alliance, which helps to support people with dementia and campaign for improved dementia care, and support Lost Chord’s involvement with the Great British Care Awards which helps improve standards of care in nursing homes.

Helena said: “Its always good to receive funding that directly benefits people with dementia, however in this case we know all too well that an independent evaluation of Lost Chord is one of the most valuable tools available when completing grant applications, therefore we are delighted to be given this opportunity.”

The charity is also one of 57 across Yorkshire and the Humber celebrating after sharing more than £446,000 from the Awards For All scheme.

It has received £10,000 which will help Lost Chord work alongside the Alzheimer’s Society.

Helena said the money will help support a Lost Chord session in four Alzheimer’s dementia cafes, every month for the next year, reaching out to almost 1,000 people.

Liz Hopkinson from the Alzheimer’s Society’s Rotherham and Doncaster branch claims that there is an increase in the numbers attending the cafes when Lost Chord performs.

Helena added: “This will mean that the Alzheimer’s Society can help more people with their advice, support and counselling services.”

“The sessions give carers an opportunity to enjoy music with the people they care for in an appropriate and relaxed environment – a real tonic for all concerned.”

Helena set up Lost Chord, which is based at the Wesley Centre in Maltby, in 1999 when it began in 11 residential homes across Rotherham.

It has now expanded into many parts of South Yorkshire, North Notts and Derbyshire, with satellite schemes in London and Wales. The charity produces more than 1100 interactive musical sessions a year in more than 100 settings, but receives no statutory funding.