Leading housebuilder Bellway has made a £1200 donation to Knowsley-based dementia charity Memory Lane in Halewood.

With two beautiful new developments coming soon to Halewood, the housebuilder was keen to support the valuable local service and provide a cash donation towards daily running costs and the creation of a wonderful new wonderland community dementia garden.

Based at the Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre on Arncliffe Road, Memory Lane is a community interest company that provides support to those living with dementia and also to their families.  It was established by Patricia Mairs who became passionate about improving community dementia support services following her own experiences when caring for her mother who suffered with dementia for 10 years.

Run by a group of experienced volunteers, all of whom have cared for a loved one with dementia, Memory Lane provides advice, empathy and understanding, not only for those living with dementia but also those who care tirelessly for them.

Using a family-based approach, the group invites dementia sufferers and their families to the centre to take part in singing, dancing, tai chi and occasional parties and day trips.  The sessions are ideal for information sharing, support and offering a new perspective for those dealing with dementia to share in social and enjoyable activities and enable families to discuss the unique challenges of caring for a dementia sufferer through informal chat.

Founder Patricia Mairs commented: “We are so grateful to Bellway for the kind donation, all of which will be used to enhance the services that we provide for our users at Memory Lane.  When my own mother was diagnosed with dementia, I had lots of questions and didn’t know where to turn for help.  Services were limited and I struggled to get the advice and support that I so desperately needed leaving both mum and me feeling isolated and lonely. I knew something had to change, and with the support of others who felt the same, we set up Memory Lane using our knowledge, skills and experiences to provide answers for others and reassure them that they are not alone.”

Sales director at Bellway, Jenny Bell, said: “When we first heard about the work done by Patricia and the team at Memory Lane we knew that we wanted to help.  Providing such an easy-to-access and valuable local service in the heart of the community, we were happy to offer a donation and are pleased to see that it has already been put to good use.”

A voluntary service, Memory Lane relies entirely on donations.  To help fund its day-to-day operations, users pay a small weekly usage charge of £5.00 to attend events at the centre.

Part of the approved East Halewood masterplan, Bellway has received planning consent for 413 high quality new build homes on two sites in Halewood.  Build is expected to start in the spring with the first properties released soon after.  For further information or to register your interest, please contact Bellway.