A CAMPAIGN to create an Alzheimer Scotland branch in the Wee County has been launched by community campaigners.

The Clackmannanshire and Stirling fundraising and awareness branch of the charity has set about raising the £100,000 needed to kit out a building and provide sufferers with a “lifeline” service.

A dementia resource centre in the Wee County would serve the thousands of people in the Forth Valley who currently live with the brain disease, and those who may soon be diagnosed.

Debbie Cassidy, a member of the group, told the Advertiser a centre is much-needed in the area.

She said: “There are 2,500 people in the area who have been diagnosed, but there are more out there who are waiting on that diagnosis.

“When you get diagnosed it changes your life. Around 60 per cent of people diagnosed say that they feel isolated after they are given the news.

“I have spoken to a lady who went to church all her life, but after she was diagnosed she never went back because she lost so much of her confidence.

“With dementia, you can look at someone and outwardly they look the same, but inside it is like a different person. Group sessions at a resource centre can really help with that.”

Debbie is passionate about getting help for sufferers and their families as her own mother has been living with the disease for 12 years now.

She continued: “We are asking that local schools, groups, businesses and individuals help us to raise our target.

“A coffee morning, sponsored event or involvement at any of our own events to raise money for our campaign will be gratefully received.

“By supporting Alzheimer Scotland in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, you will help support real people living with dementia across Forth Valley.”

The group are in the process of viewing properties in the Wee County which they hope could be the space they need to start their centre.

Debbie added: “It [being diagnosed] takes your life away and there are too many people out there who are scared to ask for help.

“This will give people in Clackmannanshire and Stirling a lifeline.”

To get involved with fundraising or just to support the campaign, contact Debbie on dcassidy@alzscot.org

For any questions on the disease, contact Alzheimer Scotland via freephone on 0800 808 3000.