In 2016 Pathways went from strength to strength in terms of reaching people with dementia and their carers. We have given more talks than ever before and received a large number of enquiries to our helpline service. However, we are, like many small charities, struggling for funding. I have done much soul searching since we were turned down for a key grant on December 16th – something of a watershed moment – and whilst I felt like throwing in the towel completely, the love that I have for the aims and objectives we set almost 4 years ago, is as strong as ever. We will therefore continue to run our helpline but will have to cut back on talks for the time being. Hopefully if I can focus on fundraising then we will be able to secure the funding we need to grow and support more people.
Before Christmas I visited a couple and helped them to complete their Lasting Power of Attorney forms – I do not always see first hand the struggles that people living with dementia experience within the confines of their own home. I witnessed a husband doing his absolute best to provide as high a quality of life as possible for his wife who welcomed me warmly into their house like an old friend. It was both heartening and heartbreaking to witness and listen to the day to day challenges presented by malfunctioning technology, and carers who do not have enough time to chat with their client, amongst other issues. It made me more determined than ever to carry on.
If you would like to contribute financially to our work you can send a cheque made payable to Pathways Through Dementia to our Treasurer Christine Alboni: 171 Powder Mill Lane, Whitton, TW2 6EQ, or make a transfer to account number: 65698169, sort code 08-92-99
I wish all our supporters and contacts a very happy 2017,
Sara x