Since 2014 researchers at the University of Stirling have been finding out what neighbourhoods mean to people living with dementia and their carers. As part of efforts across the UK to create dementia-friendly towns and cities, the Our Neighbourhoods: Our People, Our Places project aims to understand the ways neighbourhoods and local communities can support people living with dementia to remain socially and physically active. The project is publicly funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Economic and Social Research Council, and is part of a larger, international project called Neighbourhoods and Dementia.

So far, over 35 volunteers from across central Scotland have participated in research activities, which include neighbourhood walks and home tours. The researchers – Kirsty Alexander and Kainde Manji (pictured) –  are looking to find more people interested in taking part in the project. Kirsty, who is from Menstrie in Clackmannanshire, said, “It really has been great meeting people, hearing about their experiences and their views on what works for them and what could be improved in their neighbourhoods. We hope more people living with dementia and carers will join us and help generate a better understanding of what their neighbourhoods mean to them”

The research will lead to the development of locally-tailored projects which will support community engagement for people living with dementia, their carers and supporters.

If you would like to find out more about the Our Neighbourhoods project or if you are interested in taking part in the research, please contact Kirsty Alexander.

You can reach her by mobile on 07972117994 or by email at Kirsty.alexander3@stir.ac.uk

You can also reach her by post at:

Dr Kirsty Alexander
Faculty of Social Sciences,
Colin Bell Building,
Room 3S37,
University of Stirling,
FK9 4LA

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This is a guest blog for Outside the Box from Kirsty Alexander at the University of Stirling. We met Kirsty at the last Intergenerational National Network (INN) meeting in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The next INN meeting will take place in Perth on Thursday 6th October with a focus on older people’s wellbeing and mental health. If you are interested in attending this event or finding out more, please contact Pat Scrutton at pat.scrutton@o2.co.uk