Along with Alzheimer Scotland, and East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Carers of East Lothian developed a Carer Education Programme that carers attending the Dunbar and Musselburgh Dementia Cafés kindly agreed to pilot over the last 12 months.
In response to feedback from participants of the programme, Alzheimer Scotland are going to work closely with the Community Mental Health Team based at East Lothian Community Hospital, to help carers of people living with dementia to access specialist psychiatric advice and information.
Between October-December 2025, Alzheimer Scotland will be joined by two Community Psychiatric Nurses at some of their Dunbar, Musselburgh, and Tranent Dementia Cafés.
The nurses will join the carer group to answer any questions or concerns people might have. Michael Huddleston, Dementia Advisor will facilitate each group and offer advice and information as required.
The timetable for their visits is included below.
This will be reviewed at the end of the year and there may be further opportunities to broaden the scope of visiting professionals to include social workers and occupational therapists.
If you are interested in attending any of the DCafe sessions, you are welcome to along with the person that you care for. You do not need to book to attend. If you have any questions, you can contact Michael on 07831 859490 or mhuddleston@alzscot.org
Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Cafés are drop in events for people living with dementia (or worried about their brain health) and their families and supporters. They are an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers.