With the help of charitable funding, Kirrie Connections partnered with a dedicated design team of architects, quantity surveyors, and local builders to construct a versatile new extension.

The new building is designed to be completely future-proof:

• Versatile Spaces: Built to host art therapy, cognitive stimulation programmes, and essential psychosocial interventions.

• Flooded with Light: A bright, welcoming atmosphere designed specifically to enhance well-being.

• Green & Economical: Powered by solar panels and an air-source heat pump, drastically reducing utility bills so more resources can go straight to frontline care.

• A Dementia-Friendly Garden: The outside area was completely transformed with raised beds, curved seating, bird feeders, and a water feature—all meticulously designed to reduce stress and promote independence.

Key elements of the project included:

• Adaptive Creativity: Workshops moved away from simple reminiscence, instead exploring stop-motion filmmaking, poetry writing, and imaginative games.

• Relationship Building: The lead artist and filmmaker spent time meeting participants at their local centres before the project began, building trust and rapport to ensure everyone felt "safe" to be creative.

• Dementia-Friendly Venue: In a major strategic step, all front-facing staff at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall received specialist dementia training, ensuring the venue itself became a welcoming sanctuary.

• Community Integration: Participants were encouraged to engage with the theatre’s wider offerings, including a group outing to see a performance of Restless Natives.

No major capital build comes without its hurdles. The project team faced logistical challenges, including material sourcing delays and changes in key building personnel, which pushed back the initial opening date.

However, thanks to the robust oversight of the Board of Directors and the resilience of the staff, the centre maintained its service with zero disruption to families. It was business as usual throughout the entire build, proving that strong community partnerships can overcome any logistical obstacle.

While the building is structurally complete, the true success of this project is measured by the lives it changes. The new hub ensures that carers and patients have a safe space to connect.

Mandy’s Story: "A Lifeline for Me"

"I look after my mum Mary, who has dementia and is now registered blind. In the beginning, we joined for the arts and craft sessions—the focus was never on cognitive decline, just an opportunity to be creative. Later, a carers' course here became a lifeline for me. The opportunity to share experiences, frustrations, and coping mechanisms was invaluable. This new extension means so much to everyone in the area and will serve as a fantastic Community Hub."

Ann’s Story: "A Beacon of Hope"

"I was a carer for my husband Iain, who sadly passed away in July 2024. When he was diagnosed with dementia, the Meeting Centre made a huge difference to him, and it helped me learn techniques to cope. Caring can be hectic and isolating, but the weekly peer support meetings meant I could totally relax for a couple of hours where I never felt judged. This expansion ensures that people starting out on this journey will have that beacon of hope."