"They Saved My Life" - LNER Supports Edinburgh Charity Providing Vital Care For Older People

LifeCare Edinburgh provides vital support to older people who are living with dementia, poor health or mobility issues, and those who care for them.

Thanks to funding from the LNER CCIF, the charity has been able to deliver its ‘Caring Connections’ project, benefiting around 180 local people over a twelve-month period. LifeCare’s activities provide much needed respite and support for unpaid carers too, many of whom are often older themselves. Among those to share their story in a short film are Rita and her husband of 57-years, David, who is living with dementia. Rita says the support from LifeCare has provided a lifeline for them both, offering activities and a chance to meet other people.

Speaking about the importance of the activities, Claire Montgomery, Fundraising and Communications Manager for LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to LNER for the generous support we have received through the Customer and Community Investment Fund. The positive mental and physical benefits these experiences bring to the older people we support, and their dedicated unpaid carers cannot be overstated. Huge thanks to all at LNER for this funding, it really has changed lives.”

LNER Customer and Community Manager, Rachael Wilson, said: “The care and support that LifeCare Edinburgh provides to older people within their community is second to none. They make a real difference, enabling people to remain connected and feel valued. LNER is incredibly proud to support a charity which has such a profound and positive impact on peoples’ lives.”

The charity has been able to extend its free wellbeing activities for local unpaid carers and continue its enrichment activities, such as shuffleboard games and sing-along sessions within its registered day clubs, and organise a range of social outings, including canal boat trips on the Water of Leith.

Voting is currently open for people to have a chance to select the charities and projects they would like to support in the latest round of CCIF. Further details can be found here.