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Portgower bowler to represent the Highlands
An East Sutherland man has been selected to represent the Highlands at a national bowling event in Edinburgh this weekend. Andrew Pascoe, who has had to learn to live with the effects of a major stroke and a diagnosis of vascular dementia, will be competing in Scottish Disability Sports National Carpet Bowls Championships at the citys Meadowbank Sports Centre this Saturday (2 Feb). Andrew - who only took up the sport recently - has been able to sharpen his bowling skills thanks to weekly indoor sessions started at Helmsdale Community Centre last summer. Since then, he has helped with running the sessions and coaching other members. In October of last year, he won the trophy at the Highland Disability Sport Carpet Bowls Championship in Inverness, which earned him a place on the nine-strong team representing the Highlands in Edinburgh this weekend. The problem was there was nowhere round here for me to practice until the club at the Community Centre got started. Its been brilliant for me not just the bowls, you get to meet other people and have a good time. Im looking forward to Edinburgh, and maybe even getting a chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year. The carpet bowls sessions in Helmsdale are part of a varied programme of activities organised by Helmsdale Community Association aimed at involving the whole community, including a thrice weekly lunch club, a Pop-In advice centre, healthy living activities, craft workshops, quizzes and games. Local Councillor Deirdre Mackay chair of new social enterprise Dementia Friendly Communities was delighted to hear about Andrews success story. Its great to see what Andrews been able to achieve and whats so important to me is that hes been able to pursue his interest locally. The activities programme at Helmsdale Community Centre has already begun to make a real difference to the lives of people with dementia and others at risk of becoming isolated in our communities. Its a shining example of what we want to see happening right across the county. Good luck to Andrew and the rest of the Highland team! .... For further information please contact Peter Armstrong 01863 766196 or 07842 208345 or Deirdre Mackay O14O8 622 340 or O7824 695 324

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS Dementia Friendly Communities CIC

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES is a not for profit social enterprise based in the Scottish Highlands. Their vision is for communities in the Highlands and beyond to recognise and embrace the challenges faced by people with dementia and their families, enabling them to live life to its full potential. They plan to achieve this by Working with local people, services and businessesstarting in East Sutherlandto help local communities become friendly and fulfilling places to live for people with dementia and their families. Increasing local opportunities for people with dementia so that they can take part in their chosen activities of life for as long as they wish to. Increasing empathy and support for dementia carers by developing a shared understanding of the practical and emotional challenges they face. Challenging the myths and stigma associated with dementia, which act as barriers to change.

The DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Collaborative includes cross-sectoral representation from Highland health and social care providers, people with dementia, family carers, Alzheimer Scotland and local businesses. It is chaired by local Councillor Deirdre Mackay, who is determined to see her local area become a beacon of excellence for dementia support. Alongside their work in the community, the group are developing a series of online resources and virtual meeting places to bring together voices of experience, views and sources of support. A Dementia Friendly Community The flagship site will highlight progress towards the vision of living well with dementia in and beyond the Highlands. A Carers Voice focuses on the support for the dementia carers community. A Care Home Voice invites care staff, residents and families to help share best practice and innovative ideas in residential dementia care. A Dementia Voice offers a dedicated platform and peer support for people with the illness to tell the inside story.

Contact us hello@adementiafriendlycommunity.com
Dementia Friendly Communities is registered as a Community Interest Company in Scotland no. 431830

Andrew Pascoe setting his sights on Glasgow 2014 (Picture by Sarah Nixon)