Two innovative projects geared to helping people living with dementia have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award ceremony.

Scotland’s Dementia Awards showcase creativity, innovation and dedication that’s making a real difference to the daily lives of people living with dementia and their families.

And initiatives in Lanarkshire – in both hospital and in the community – are in the running for awards on 24th September.

Wishaw General Hospital’s ‘The Club’ has been nominated for the Best Acute Care Initiative.

The care of the elderly team introduced The Club at the hospital to provide greater patient stimulation and interaction to combat stress and distress symptoms shown by some elderly patients. The Club also provides an opportunity for visitors to attend so they can help identify activities and spend time with their relative or friend.

Gillian Corbett, Wishaw General Hospital’s chief of nursing services, said: “We are committed to the delivery of high quality, safe and person-centred care. This nomination underlines one aspect of the brilliant work being carried out by our dedicated staff.”

Meanwhile, Lanarkshire Mosque & Muslim Community Project has been shortlisted for the Best Dementia Friendly Community initiative.

The project was developed following Motherwell becoming recognised as Scotland’s first dementia-friendly town centre in 2012. A spectrum of shops, services and businesses signed up to support people with dementia, their families and their carers.

Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and other partners have been working closely and the approach has since been rolled out across North Lanarkshire.

The Lanarkshire Mosque and Muslim Community Project’s objective’s include raising awareness about dementia, improving communication between the Muslim community and service providers and reducing the stigma of the illness.

Arlene Crockett, of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Our Muslim community realise the challenges in reducing stigma around dementia and want to support future generations of family carers.

“The project is an emerging movement for change, based on partnership working with a strong sense of community ownership.”

The nominations come at vital time. A new Act requires health boards and local authorities to integrate their adult health and social care services.

Janice Hewitt, Chief Accountable Officer for North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Our mission is to provide the right support at the right time in the right place.  We want to ensure that people can look after themselves or have carers who are supported to help. When the time comes for care we want it to be well-assessed and managed.

“Whether in a hospital setting or in the community, we are committed to having our staff and volunteers suitably equipped to support and care for those who need us.”