Tuesday 21 July 2026 | 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Ruthrieston Community Centre, Aberdeen
Ruthrieston Community Centre is delighted to invite local residents, organisations and professionals to a special community workshop on Tuesday 21 July 2026, held in partnership with Meeting Centres Scotland.
This event marks the beginning of an exciting new initiative to explore the creation of a Meeting Centre in Ruthrieston, providing community based support for people living with mild to moderate dementia and the family members and friends who care for them.
Meeting Centres have already transformed the lives of many people across Europe. Originating in the Netherlands, where more than 140 centres are now established, they have been shown to improve quality of life for people living with dementia while also offering valuable support to family carers. Research has demonstrated benefits including reduced behavioural and psychological symptoms, improved social connections and a delay in the need for residential care. Family carers have also reported lower levels of stress, increased confidence and a greater sense of support. Pilot projects across the UK have produced equally encouraging feedback, highlighting the positive impact these centres can have within local communities.
The vision for Ruthrieston is to create an inclusive, welcoming place where people can meet regularly, enjoy meaningful activities and build friendships in a relaxed community setting. Rather than focusing on what dementia takes away, a Meeting Centre focuses on people’s strengths, interests and abilities. It offers opportunities to stay active, remain connected and continue participating in community life.
This workshop is the first step in making that vision a reality.
During the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, learn more about the Meeting Centre model and support that would best meet the needs of local people.
We warmly welcome anyone with an interest in improving community health and wellbeing. Whether you have personal experience of dementia, work within health or social care, support local community groups or simply want to make a positive difference, your ideas and involvement are valued.
This event is open to:
- People living with mild to moderate dementia
- Family members, friends and unpaid carers
- Health and social care professionals
- Community leaders
- Local businesses and organisations
- Volunteers and support workers
- Activity providers
- Community Connectors
- Anyone interested in supporting dementia friendly communities
The success of a Meeting Centre depends on local people working together. By bringing together residents, professionals, volunteers and community organisations, we can develop a service that reflects the unique needs of Ruthrieston and creates lasting benefits for everyone involved.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new community resource that has the potential to improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their families across the local area. At this early stage, we encourage as many people as possible to attend, learn more and share their ideas. The wider the conversation, the stronger the future Meeting Centre can become.
If you would like to join us, please book your place by contacting:
Amanda Stephen
Email: ruthriestondevelopmentmanager@gmail.com
Telephone: 07342 280500
We look forward to welcoming you to Ruthrieston Community Centre on Tuesday 21 July and working together to build a more connected, supportive and dementia friendly community.
