Grant to boost dementia care at Warminster day club

More than 300 people living with dementia in Warminster will be supported thanks to a grant from Wiltshire Freemasons to the Alzheimer’s Support charity.

The £60,000 grant to the Old Silk Works day club in Beech Road will be spread over three years and will help the club provide its award-winning care for people living with all types of dementia in the town.

Provided by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the donation will help the Warminster day club continue to provide its blend of care, support, and camaraderie, as well as essential respite for family carers.

Representatives visited the club this month to hand over the first tranche of the grant and meet the people who will benefit. Head of Wiltshire Freemasonry John Reid, Devizes chapter representative Paul Robinson, and press officer for Wiltshire Freemasons Des Morgan spent the morning meeting club members and finding out what the club means to them.

Club member Duncan Baxter said, “We are all very grateful, and you picked the right thing to support. This club means the world to me. It has changed my life around, and it keeps me going.”

Provincial Grand Master John Reid said, “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Alzheimer’s Support with their vital project. The Old Silk Works provides an essential service to its members, offering a rich social life and crucial support for their physical and mental health. This is a wonderful club that brings both joy and practical benefits to those who use it.”

Old Silk Works provides a full day’s care for up to 13 members every weekday. It is run by Wiltshire charity Alzheimer’s Support and offers a relaxed, supportive environment where people can take part in small group activities and enjoy each other’s company while their family carers have a much-needed break.

Alzheimer’s Support CEO Sarah Marriott said, “We are thrilled and very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous grant to Old Silk Works. The club means so much to the families that rely on it and depends on fundraising to stay open.

“This significant donation will have a real impact on the support we can provide, and we would like to say a huge thank you to the Freemasons for their ongoing support and understanding of our work.”