Community Kettle CIC in Portsmouth receives £7,500 funding to help support its work with people living with dementia
Portsmouth dementia group ‘thrilled’ to receive funding
A Portsmouth based community group has received funding to support its “essential” role in helping people with dementia.
Community Kettle CIC based in Cosham has been awarded £7,500 by the McCarthy & Stone Foundation which will be used to help support people with dementia as well as their carers and families. The group provides an inclusive and accessible environment supporting older residents that live with the disease and help them remain connected and confident with the community.
Nicole Heard, Director at Community Kettle CIC, commented “We are thrilled to receive this funding from the McCarthy & Stone Foundation. This support will help us create new opportunities for people living with dementia to come together in a welcoming and understanding environment, where they can build friendships, stay engaged and take part in activities that support their wellbeing.
“The funding will also enable us to strengthen support for carers, while helping to raise awareness across the local community so that people affected by dementia feel more included, understood and supported in everyday life.”
The community group has advised that the donation will enable the service to establish a dedicated Memory Group, offering structured, low‑pressure sessions designed to support cognitive stimulation and emotional wellbeing. Activities will include reminiscence work, music and memory sessions, sensory crafts, life‑story prompts and calm social interaction, helping to maintain participants’ independence for longer.
The funding has been distributed through the McCarthy & Stone Foundation’s Dementia Grant programme which is used to help grassroots organisations deliver vital local dementia support services. It is designed to strengthen community-based support and ensure they can continue to deliver services.
Andrew Burrett, Trustee at the McCarthy & Stone Foundation, said: “Small charities and community groups play an essential role in supporting people living with dementia and the families and carers around them. We know unrestricted funding is particularly valuable, as it enables them to respond flexibly to the needs of the people they support.
“Through our Dementia Grant Programme, we are proud to help these organisations continue providing compassionate, life-changing services within their local communities.”