NFUS support for new Alzheimer Scotland and RSABI project in Dumfries and Galloway

NFU Scotland are supporting a new project in Dumfries and Galloway to set up a social group for retired farmers and farm workers – including those with dementia.  

The group, being driven by Alzheimer Scotland and RSABI, looks to provide opportunities for those who have spent their life farming to come together for a chat and a cuppa.  The project is also being supported by the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community project - a joint approach between NFUS and Health and Social Care units in the region run by NHS and the local authority.

An initial meeting for retired farmers took place in Castle Douglas in late November and was a huge success. It is now looking to build on that and a wider call for retired farmers and farm workers in Dumfries and Galloway to come along has been issued.

Explaining the background to the project, Dementia Friendly Community Worker Jill Rennie, who established the group, said: “We want everyone in Dumfries and Galloway to live in an enabling, supportive community and feel valued and understood. Agriculture is a huge part of the region.  My role is to engage with people living with dementia and their families, and that includes the farming community.

 “I had noticed that when a farmer or farm worker retires they can become isolated and lonely. They no longer go to the mart and may not have any other opportunities to meet other farmers socially. I began to wonder if a retired farming social group could be set up to include all people who have worked in agriculture including people with dementia.

“This resulted in the launch of the retired farming group as a pilot initially. We met for the first time on 29 November, with support and engagement from NFU Scotland, RSABI and The Scottish Farmer magazine.”

Teresa Dougall, NFU Scotland’s Regional Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, attended the first meeting and said: “It was fantastic to see this group of retired farmers, who have spent a lifetime in the industry, come together for a cuppa, some cake and a chat.

“Despite not knowing each other, the discussion flowed – from how they farmed to how people now farm and their lives then and now.”

The success of the initial meeting has inspired Jill to build the Dumfries and Galloway project.  She asks: “Are you a retired farmer or farm worker or have retired family living with you who may benefit from meeting with likeminded individuals to spend an afternoon in good company?

“Would you like to be a part of this group?  Would you or a member of your family benefit from a regular afternoon out of the house, meeting new people and engaging in lively discussion?  For more information or to state your interest, please get in touch.”  

Notes to editors

• Dementia Friendly Community Worker Jill Rennie can be contacted on 01387 261303 or 07795 256731.  Jill can also be emailed at JRennie@alzscot.org
• A photograph of the first meeting of the retired farming group in Castle Douglas is available on request from media@nfus.org.uk  
  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006