Kirrie Connections has celebrated the official opening of a brand-new, purpose-built facility, adjoining its existing premises in Kirriemuir, Angus. This substantial expansion marks a new chapter in their ability to provide comprehensive support for individuals living with dementia and their families. The project, which received a significant award of £110,000 from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, was formally launched with a celebratory event attended by staff, service users, local partners, and supporters, all coming together to mark this milestone. This new space is designed to be a warm, safe, and inclusive environment, offering extended services, activities, and vital support groups.
Living with dementia presents profound challenges not only for the individual but for their entire family, including carers and loved ones. Isolation, a need for specialised activities, and access to understanding support networks are critical. While Kirrie Connections has been a recognised leader in dementia-inclusive support, the growing need within the community meant that their existing premises had limitations on capacity and the breadth of services they could offer. Expanding their physical space was essential to meet increasing demand, enhance service delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability in supporting those affected by this complex condition.
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation proudly responded to this challenge with a vital £110,000 award. This funding aligns closely with our mission to support initiatives that directly improve the health and wellbeing of people across the region, especially those in vulnerable circumstances.
Sam Riddell, Chair of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, underscored the significance of our support: “We are incredibly proud to support Kirrie Connections with this vital project. Dementia affects not only individuals but entire families, and this expanded facility will play a key role in helping people live well with dementia in their community. It’s a brilliant example of how charitable funding can create meaningful, lasting impact.”
Shelley McCarthy, Chief Officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, added: “This new space reflects the very heart of what our Foundation stands for—compassion, inclusion, and innovation in healthcare. Kirrie Connections is a shining example of community-based care, and we are honoured to have played a part in their journey to grow and support more people than ever before.”
The new facility dramatically enhances Kirrie Connections’ capacity to deliver its crucial services. It will allow the charity to extend its reach, welcome new members, and offer more personalised services and a wider range of activities tailored to the needs of people living with dementia. The transformed outdoor space, in particular, excites the team, with members leading the way in bringing new ideas to life. This expansion ensures that individuals living with dementia and their families have access to a much-needed community facility, fostering connections, reducing isolation, and improving overall quality of life.
Jacqui Dillon, Chief Executive of Kirrie Connections, affirmed the profound impact: "This significant funding award from the foundation ensures that Kirrie Connections can continue to support everyone living with dementia and their families now and in the future as well as providing a much needed Community facility. Our outdoor space has been transformed and we are excited to bring our ideas to life with our members leading the way.”
