The Mission of The Living Well Project is to improve the physical, emotional and social wellbeing for the lonely and isolated and also for those living with dementia, and their carers, within our local communities.

The project has two services:

The Living Well Cafés offer a safe and supportive environment for those families in our local communities affected by a loved one living with dementia or memory problems. We offer information and signposting to organisations which may be able to provide a service or help in other practical ways. Carers have the opportunity to spend time with others travelling on a similar journey, without being judged. We offer a variety of activities at the cafés with a strong emphasis on music. We secure the services of local musical entertainers and encourage people to sing and dance. Dementia is a cruel and debilitating illness and our aim is to help and support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, as well as their carers, and to bring a smile and some happiness in their lives at that particular moment. We concentrate on what people can do rather than what they are no longer able to do.

The Befriending Service aims to reach out to those older people living in the north of Aberdeen who are lonely and socially isolated, and they are suitably matched with a volunteer befriender on a one-to-one basis. A trained volunteer visits a befriendee on a regular basis. From comments received, there is a marked reduction in loneliness (which has added benefits of improved physical health and psychological wellbeing); increased self-confidence, self-worth and motivation; opportunities to be taken outside the home for a walk or for a coffee.