The McGowan Government has launched its expanded Age-friendly Grants Program in support of positive ageing in Western Australian communities – extending the initiative to include dementia-friendly projects for the first time.
The program is now open for applications, with grants of up to $15,000 available for local government and not-for-profit organisations to provide age and dementia-friendly events, programs and resources in their communities.
The age-friendly communities’ concept aims to provide accessible, safe, engaging places for older people to live – allowing important opportunities for social, cultural and economic participation as they age.
The State Government has this year extended the program to include dementia-friendly projects which support those living with dementia, their carers’ and family members.
Funding is available for local governments and incorporated not-for-profit community organisations. Applications using innovative solutions and pilot projects to deliver positive outcomes for seniors and people with dementia are strongly encouraged.
For more information visit: https://dlgc.communities.wa.gov.au
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray:
“It is so important for seniors and people with dementia to be included in their communities, through engagement with others and opportunities to contribute and participate in positive ways.
“Age-friendly and dementia-friendly grants help deliver local projects which engage older members of the community, whether that’s through inclusive events, resources or programs.
“This year for the first time we have extended the program to specifically include dementia-friendly projects, in line with the need for Western Australian communities to have better support systems in place as our population ages and more people are impacted by the disease.”
As stated by Alzheimer’s WA General Manager Danielle Wrench:
“There are over 41,600 Western Australians living with dementia and approximately 70 per cent live at home in our communities.
“Dementia-friendly initiatives are vital to ensure we can continue to support people living with dementia to stay at home as long as possible.
“Alzheimer’s WA commends the McGowan Government for recognising the need for dementia friendly initiatives by expanding the Age-friendly Communities Grants Program to also include Dementia-friendly grant opportunities”
