Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Dementia Friendly Dunblane (DFD) is a DDT volunteer working group established in 2017. Its activities include The Braeport Memory Cafe, weekly soup runs, and befriending services. Our purpose is creating an inter-generational dementia friendly community.

Follow us on Facebook to see what we are up to. Alternatively you can contact us by emailing the Dementia Friendly Dunblane Coordinator dfdcoord@gmail.com or calling 07733 252699.

Braeport Memory Cafe

The Memory Cafe is open to all Dunblane people with mild to moderate dementia and their relatives/carers every Wednesday afternoon from 2 – 4pm at the Braeport Centre throughout the year in normal circumstances. Unfortunately the Braeport Centre is currently closed due to covid-19 restrictions.
These sessions provide:

A warm and welcoming environment for people with dementia, their family and carers.

A safe place to meet old friends and make new ones.

A stimulating programme of activities (e.g. singing, art, board games and gentle exercise) with occasional special events.

Trained volunteers to support carers and enable people with dementia to maintain independence and remain in their own home environment.

A collaborative approach with health , social care and third sector partners.

We start with an empty room and the volunteers quickly transform the environment into a magical atmosphere. Tablecloths are placed on tables, and milk and sugar bowls set up. Cakes and biscuits appear, donated by local school children, and tea/coffee is served. The chatter starts and the room is soon buzzing with people eager to catch up.

If you are interested please contact us at: dfdcoord@gmail.com OR Phone 01786 822422 / 07733 262599 OR just come along.

CLICK HERE for more information.

THE VIDEO

History of the group

In January 2017, a small group of individuals got together at the Dunblane Community Centre to discuss “Dementia is Everybody’s Business” a report on Building Motherwell’s Dementia Friendly Community, the first in Scotland. We questioned what a dementia friendly community is and learned that a dementia friendly community is made up of anyone who wants to come together to make their local area more welcoming for people living with dementia.

A scoping exercise was undertaken on who were the key stakeholders in Dunblane that we could work with. A steering group was established, and action plan developed, and the group were committed to going forward on this journey.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. Margaret Mead.

Our aim is to support people living with dementia and their families/carers to feel included and remain Part of the community not Apart from it.

We are working to achieve this aim through raising awareness of dementia to reduce stigma and provide education and advice to residents and businesses.

Our work is supported by generous grants and donations.

By Bernie Beattie| 2021-03-11T16:41:12+00:00 December 13th, 2018|Comments Off

Volunteering

We are all volunteers and rely on community people to get involved and work with us to develop and deliver our projects.

We currently have 80 volunteers who helping to make sure Dunblane is a good place to live. Activities include improving paths, developing floral displays & local green spaces, installing Xmas lights, running the Braeport Centre and supporting the Memory Cafe.

And we are always looking for more; some of our folk have been at it for 15 year and are need of younger company!

Could you help out? Do you have skills and knowledge we could use? Do you have some spare time? Volunteering is fun and is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your community. You don’t have to be a member of DDT to volunteer – though it would be good if you were!

If you would like to get involved have look at the opportunities below and contact us.

Trustee

Do you have skills, experience and enthusiasm to help develop your local
community? We are looking for new Trustees, particularly people with
expertise in operational management, fundraising, and digital communication.

Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Our Dementia Café has expanded into a Meeting Centre, providing extra support for people with dementia and their carers. We are looking for volunteer helpers and drivers to support the project on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Braeport Memory Café Meeting Centre Volunteer role profile

Dunblane in Bloom

Dunblane in Bloom are responsible for amazing floral displays and hanging baskets all around Dunblane, as well as other outdoor projects. New volunteers are always welcome to come and help on Sunday mornings.

Dunblane in Bloom Volunteer role profile

Environment Group

If you like the outdoors, why not join the friendly Environment Group on Wednesday mornings. They look after the gardens around the War Memorial and adjacent 250m Hosta Border, as well as carrying out lots of other local projects.

Environment Group Volunteer role profile

Mid-week DIY Group

The mid-week DIY group meets on Tuesday mornings to provide practical expertise for DIY projects that enhance the ambience and fabric of Dunblane. They also provide the annual Christmas lights. New volunteers are always welcome.

Paths Team

The Paths Team meet regularly, as required, to maintain and improve the network of paths and tracks around Dunblane. This includes the Core Path Network as well as other public routes such as at the Laighhills. It’s a great opportunity to be active outdoors.

For more information and to apply please contact on ddtvolunteer@gmail.com.

Volunteer Letter

By Dori Pardi| 2024-03-14T13:04:01+00:00 January 22nd, 2024|Comments Off

Environment

Braeport Sensory Garden

Our ‘DIY’ volunteers have completed their most ambitious project. The Dementia Friendly ‘Sensory’ Garden is for all Braeport users and acts as an important component to our Memory Cafe activities.

EcoFest

By Dori Pardi| 2024-03-14T14:44:29+00:00 January 22nd, 2024|Comments Off

Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing benefits of volunteering

Volunteering has been linked to improved mental health and well-being, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment as they contribute to the betterment of their communities. Engaging in volunteer activities has also been associated with lower stress levels and enhanced social connections, fostering a positive impact on overall physical and emotional health.

Low cost hall hire for local organisations supporting physical and mental health

The Braeport Centre has 3 light and spacious rooms, a large carpark and a relaxing sensory garden. The centre is run by the Dunblane Development Trust, on behalf of the community.

DDT groups supporting the infrastructure needed for active travel

DDT supports active travel projects e.g. Glen Road Project and travel maps for the local area.

By Dori Pardi| 2024-03-14T14:56:19+00:00 January 22nd, 2024|Comments Off

What we do

Community Facilities and Activities

In 1993 the Trust took on ownership of the Braeport Community Centre from the Council to ensure ongoing community benefit. We also respond to community needs by providing projects, events and activities that benefit the local community. In the last year this has included a ceilidh, EcoFest, and games mornings. We support other community events such as the Fling. We used to run a facilities forum for Dunblane which we hope to reestablish.

Braeport Community Centre
Mid-Week DIY Group
Community events

Get involved - volunteer with us!

We currently have 80 volunteers who are helping to make sure Dunblane is a good place to live, and we are always looking for more.

Volunteering is fun and is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your community.

By Dori Pardi| 2024-03-14T12:24:49+00:00 January 22nd, 2024|Comments Off

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Dunblane Development Trust

Community in action
Dunblane Development Trust

Community in action

Dunblane Development Trust (DDT) was established in 2003 as a membership-based community company with charitable status. Since then, we have steadily grown to provide a range of local services and activities based on priorities set by a succession of community consultation exercises.

What We Do

Community Facilities and Activities

In 1993 the Trust took on ownership of the Braeport Community Centre from the Council to ensure ongoing community benefit. We also respond to community needs by providing projects, events and activities that benefit the local community. In the last year this has included a ceilidh, EcoFest, and games mornings. We support other community events such as the Fling. We used to run a facilities forum for Dunblane which we hope to reestablish.

Calendar of events

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Facebook Feed

Our Sponsors

We have been fortunate to have many generous sponsors over the years listed here.

By Bernie Beattie| 2024-03-14T12:31:44+00:00 January 26th, 2023|Comments Off

**BRAEPORT MEMORY CAFE : WATCH THE VIDEO**
Gallery
**BRAEPORT MEMORY CAFE : WATCH THE VIDEO**

Updates

BRAEPORT MEMORY CAFE : WATCH THE VIDEO

The “Life Changes Trust” grant has facilitated further development of the Braeport Memory Cafe and other services for people with dementia in our community and their families/carers. Breda Seaman, who was been instrumental in getting ‘Dementia Friendly Dunblane’ off the ground, continues as co-ordinator for the project.

FURTHER INFORMATION about the Memory Cafe

CLICK for more information about the grant

CLICK for Confirmation of Life Changes Trust grant

By Tim Hughes| 2020-03-25T18:34:54+00:00 March 10th, 2020|Updates|0 Comments

Meet the Board

Our Board is made up of a maximum of 16 Trustees. The minimum we can have is 7. These are either Member Trustees, who are elected at our AGM, or co-opted Trustees who are brought on for their skills and interest in our work. Co-opted Trustees can be either members or non-members of DDT. We can have no more than 4 co-opted members and the Board must consist of a majority of member Trustees.

Currently we have 12 Trustees, , two of whom are co-opted to provide specific skills. Together they bring a wide range of skills and interests.

This page tells you more about them.

Sandy FlemingDDT Chairperson

Sandy has lived and worked in Dunblane for most of his life. He has a background in sales and marketing and currently works at Dunblane Primary and Dunblane Sports Club coaching tennis. Sandy has been chair of the parent council at both Newton Primary and Dunblane High School and also volunteers as a panel member for Children’s Hearing Scotland which has helped him understand how community groups like the DDT can be beneficial.

Anita SmileyDDT Vice Chairperson

Anita has lived in Dunblane for more than 30 years and has worked as a teacher in local secondary schools. Latterly she was a service manager in Stirling Council‘s children’s services.

Ian GillTreasurer

Chair of Braeport Management Committee and former DDT Company Secretary. Ian has lived in Dunblane since 2006, having returned to Scotland after spending 30 years in International Development both overseas and in London. Until recently he ran his own HR consultancy business operating in Africa and emerging markets. He is a pension scheme Trustee.

Mirella MarchiniCompany Secretary

Mirella, a dual qualified Italian and Scottish solicitor, has lived and practised in Scotland for the past 27 years, having moved from Italy in 1996. Having recently joined a firm of solicitors based in Dunblane, she wants to be a more active member of the local community.

Stewart CorbettTrustee

Stewart and his wife moved to Dunblane in 2015 to be closer to family and friends. Prior to retiring in 2016 his career as a professional engineer was spent in nuclear power station operation holding several positions in station and corporate management. Stewart is an active volunteer with DDT, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Trust and National Trust Scotland. He is also a member of Dunblane Community Council.

Malcolm DougallTrustee

Chair of DDT (Projects) Limited of which he has been a Director since its formation in December 2009. Malcolm supervised the construction phase of the Riverview building as DDT’s representative and has subsequently been closely involved with the general management of the building. Malcolm, until he retired, was a Chartered Quantity Surveyor but worked in the contracting side of the industry for the majority of his career.

Scott WilliamsonTrustee

Scott worked in the Scottish IT industry for 30 years before retiring. He and his wife moved to Dunblane in 2022 and both of them like to get involved in the DDT, its working groups, and other local community organisations and activities. Scott represents Dunblane in Bloom and the Paths Group on the Board and is a member of the Finance Committee.

Paul NelsonTrustee

Director of DDT (Projects) Ltd and Chair of Dementia Friendly Dunblane. Paul has lived in Dunblane for more than 30 years. He is a former Managing and Financial Director of medium sized Scottish companies. He has an active involvement in numerous community organisations, both local and national including as a member of the executive of Scottish Motor Trade Association and Scottish Engineering, and as a former Stirling Councillor. He is Treasurer of Scottish Autism and a volunteer at the Braeport Memory Café.

Sue HunterTrustee

Sue has lived in Dunblane for over 28 years and has brought up her family here. She is a retired nurse, having specialised in palliative care for the last 15 years of her career. She is interested in natural history and is a keen badminton and tennis player.

Margaret SharkeyTrustee

Margaret moved to Dunblane with her young family over 25 years ago. She worked as a consultant engineer for a marine engineering company, then later started to volunteer at a local primary school. She has worked as a classroom assistant and primary teacher at local schools. For several years Margaret was a volunteer secretary at the Stirling branch of the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club. She is currently working as a relief library assistant within the Stirling Council area.

David StorrieTrustee

David Storrie moved to Dunblane around 20 years ago and lives with his wife and 4 teenage children in Dunblane. He has worked in a number of organisations and industries including manufacturing, products and services and financial services. He has spent the last 12 years in Consulting for EY and ADAPTOVATE for large infrastructure organisations, global corporates, local and central Government, predominantly supporting organisations to improve performance and organisational effectiveness. He is the Chair for The Bank in Dunblane and has a keen interest in supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs and Young people with opportunities to develop, grow and thrive in Dunblane.

Gillian JoynesTrustee

Gillian moved to Dunblane 18 months ago with her husband and young children. She is a financial adviser with over 15 years’ experience working in the industry. Currently studying towards becoming chartered. In her spare time she enjoys all things outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Meet the Team

Deirdre FraserAdministration Officer

Deirdre has lived in Dunblane for over 30 years. She has spent over 20 years working in finance/administration for a variety of industries including sawmills and clinical research.

Caroline EarnshawMeeting Centre Manager

Caroline moved to Dunblane with her young family July 2009. Prior to this she spent many years working in Edinburgh before taking a career break to raise her family. Due to Covid working restrictions Caroline volunteered for Dementia Friendly Dunblane in 2020, she was appointed Activities Co-ordinator in April 2022 and then Meeting Centre Manager in March 2023.

Breda SeamanDementia Friendly Dunblane Co-ordinator

Breda is a retired health services manager with extensive experience in nursing, midwifery and patient safety. Since retirement she has worked for Combat Stress the Veterans Mental Health Charity and as a part time nurse and activities co-ordinator in Randolph Hill Nursing Home where she developed a passion for supporting people with dementia . She also has previous experience as a board member for Autism Scotland and the Scottish Cot Death Trust.

Kirsty CathrineSupport Officer

Kirsty has a background in working for charity and public sector environmental organisations, including managing volunteers, partnership working and training. She recently left the role of Participation Officer for the National Trust for Scotland, and has been providing freelance training and project development for Forest and Land Scotland.

George GlennieBraeport Caretaker/Manager

Coming from an IT/Administrative background, George has worked at the Braeport Centre for just over one and half years and works closely with our valued individual centre users and groups.
A graduate from University of Dundee, he believes strongly in education and personal development, and that with a strong and supportive team, that anything is possible!
George is looking forward to continuing to support the centre in all its activities in addition to the centre users and groups, so that the Braeport Centre will continue to be the successful and valued community resource that it is.

Rhona McInnesThe Giving Tree charity shop manager

I moved to Dunblane in 2012 to be nearer family. Prior to taking early retirement in 2017, I worked as a biomedical scientist with the Blood Transfusion Service for 33 years, providing suitable blood products for patients with complex transfusion needs. Following retirement, I volunteered in the Mary’s Meals shop in Dunblane until I took on the role of manager in 2021. At the end of September 2023 Mary’s Meals closed the shop, and when Dunblane Development Trust took over the shop now called “The Giving Tree” in October 2023, I was delighted to be retained as the manager.

By Kirsty Thomson| 2023-12-07T11:53:05+00:00 May 1st, 2016|Comments Off

Our history

History of the DDT

Dunblane Development Trust (DDT) was established in 2003 as a membership-based community company with charitable status. Since then, we have steadily grown to provide a range of local services and activities based on priorities set by a succession of community consultation exercises.

All of this has been achieved through volunteer activity; support for which we have been able to procure external funding from a wide range of sources. Many successful projects have been carried out by our volunteer-led working groups:

Dunblane in Bloom, Environment Group, Paths Team, DIY Group, Ebike Loan Scheme and Memory Café.

Dementia Friendly Dunblane and Dunblane Community Support were incorporated into the Trusts activities in 2020

Larger scale projects involve the Braeport Community Centre as well as the ‘Riverview’ building in the High Street; the latter housing a retail space and apartments that provide rental income to fund future activities.

An illustrated DDT historical timeline

By Kirsty Thomson| 2024-03-14T14:17:13+00:00 April 5th, 2016|Comments Off

What we do

What We Do

Braeport Centre

Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Dunblane in Bloom

Dunblane Environment Group

Dunblane Path Team

Ebike Loan Scheme

Maps

Midweek DIY group

Dunblane Development Trust (Projects) Ltd.

Partnerships & community involvement

Braes of Doune Windfarm Community Fund

By Kirsty Thomson| 2024-01-09T16:24:34+00:00 April 5th, 2016|Comments Off

Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Braeport Memory Cafe

History of the group

Volunteering

Trustee

Do you have skills, experience and enthusiasm to help develop your local community? We are looking for new Trustees, particularly people with expertise in operational management, fundraising, and digital communication.

Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Our Dementia Café has expanded into a Meeting Centre, providing extra support for people with dementia and their carers. We are looking for volunteer helpers and drivers to support the project on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Dunblane in Bloom

Dunblane in Bloom are responsible for amazing floral displays and hanging baskets all around Dunblane, as well as other outdoor projects. New volunteers are always welcome to come and help on Sunday mornings.

Environment Group

If you like the outdoors, why not join the friendly Environment Group on Wednesday mornings. They look after the gardens around the War Memorial and adjacent 250m Hosta Border, as well as carrying out lots of other local projects.

Mid-week DIY Group

The mid-week DIY group meets on Tuesday mornings to provide practical expertise for DIY projects that enhance the ambience and fabric of Dunblane. They also provide the annual Christmas lights. New volunteers are always welcome.

Paths Team

The Paths Team meet regularly, as required, to maintain and improve the network of paths and tracks around Dunblane. This includes the Core Path Network as well as other public routes such as at the Laighhills. It’s a great opportunity to be active outdoors.

The Giving Tree charity shop in Dunblane is part of Dunblane Development Trust and is supporting both local and international charities and promoting sustainability.

You will

– Interact with customers, taking payments and providing good all-round customer service

– Sort through donated items and price stock

– Work on window and shop displays

– Keep the shop tidy, clean and well organise

– Following health and safety guidance

For more information and to apply please contact on ddtvolunteer@gmail.com.

Environment

Dunblane in Bloom

Dunblane in Bloom was formed in 2004 with the purpose of making Dunblane an attractive town to both live in and to visit; and to encourage civic pride and community spirit.

Dunblane Environment Group

Dunblane Path Team

The Dunblane Path Team was formed in April 2016. The team focusses on maintaining and improving the network of paths and tracks around Dunblane; primarily comprising the Core Path network but also including other routes used by the public such as the paths on the Laighills.

Glen Road Project

Rescuing and Conserving Glen Road through Kippenrait Glen, between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

Braeport Renewables Project

Braeport Centre has a great location in the centre of town, easily reached on foot and also benefiting from plenty of car and bike parking. The Centre has recently installed heat pumps.

Maps Project

The Dunblane Area Green Travel Map helps local residents and visitors to walk, cycle and use public transport around Dunblane and the local area towards Stirling, Doune and up into the Ochils.

Braeport Sensory Garden

Our ‘DIY’ volunteers have completed their most ambitious project. The Dementia Friendly ‘Sensory’ Garden is for all Braeport users and acts as an important component to our Memory Cafe activities.

EcoFest

Health and Wellbeing

Dementia Friendly Dunblane

Dementia Friendly Dunblane (DFD) is a DDT volunteer working group established in 2017. Its activities include The Braeport Memory Cafe, weekly soup runs, and befriending services. Our purpose is creating an inter-generational dementia friendly community.

Follow us on Facebook to see what we are up to. Alternatively you can contact us by emailing the Dementia Friendly Dunblane Coordinator dfdcoord@gmail.com or calling 07733 252699.

E-bike loan scheme

We aim to promote cycling for everyday travel by local residents through demonstrating how e-bike can be an alternative to cars for local short journeys and commuting purposes.

How we operate HERE

Contact us: by phone via 01786 822422 OR by email at ddtebikes@gmail.com

Health and wellbeing benefits of volunteering

Low cost hall hire for local organisations supporting physical and mental health

The Braeport Centre has 3 light and spacious rooms, a large carpark and a relaxing sensory garden. The centre is run by the Dunblane Development Trust, on behalf of the community.

DDT groups supporting the infrastructure needed for active travel

DDT supports active travel projects e.g. Glen Road Project and travel maps for the local area.

What we do

Health and wellbeing

Environment

Dunblane in Bloom Environment Group Paths Team Glen Road Project Braeport Renewables Project Braeport Sensory Garden Maps Project EcoFest

Community Facilities and Activities

Local Economic Development

Town Centre Development Group Braes of Doune Windfarm Community Fund Community events specifically aimed at supporting local businesses Dunblane Development Trust (Projects) Ltd Support for local development projects The Giving Tree

Volunteering

Get involved - volunteer with us!

We currently have 80 volunteers who are helping to make sure Dunblane is a good place to live, and we are always looking for more.

Volunteering is fun and is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your community.

Dunblane Development Trust

Community in action

Dunblane Development Trust

Community in action

Dunblane Development Trust (DDT) was established in 2003 as a membership-based community company with charitable status. Since then, we have steadily grown to provide a range of local services and activities based on priorities set by a succession of community consultation exercises.

Get Involved

We are all volunteers and rely on community people to get involved and work with us to develop and deliver our projects.

Join the Trust

Membership really matters to the Trust and is open to all who live or work in Dunblane, Ashfield or Kinbuck.

What We Do

Health and Wellbeing

Environment

Community Facilities and Activities

Local Economic Development

Volunteering

Calendar of events

Facebook Feed

Do you have skills, experience and enthusiasm to help develop your local
community? We are looking for new Trustees, particularly people with
expertise in operational management, fundraising, and digital communication.

Dunblane in Bloom
Environment Group
Paths Team
Glen Road Project
Braeport Renewables Project
Braeport Sensory Garden
Maps Project
EcoFest

Town Centre Development Group
Braes of Doune Windfarm Community Fund
Community events specifically aimed at supporting local businesses
Dunblane Development Trust (Projects) Ltd
Support for local development projects
The Giving Tree