New project looks to raise awareness of dementia through the arts

A new project aimed at raising money and awareness of dementia through the visual and performing arts has been launched in Glasgow.

 

Our Story has been set up by a group of young volunteers and will look to raise awareness of the disease through a series of events in the west coast of Scotland, with all funds raised going towards supporting the work of Alzheimer Scotland.

 

The first will see the team put on a gig on March 17 headlined by Glasgow musician and former Delgados member Emma Pollock, who recently released her third album ?In Search of Harperfield? to widespread critical acclaim.

 

Also joining her on the bill at Avant Garde is new wave band 100 Fables, community choir Achoired Taste and singer songwriter John Condron who has just released a touching single called ?Dear Mama? as a tribute to his mother following her diagnosis with Alzheimer?s.

A finale event is already in the pipeline for the Barrowland Ballroom on June 11 to mark National Dementia Awareness Week, with organisers promising another exciting line up of Scottish talent.

 

Creative Director Gregg Muir, who came up with the idea for the project, said: ?I know first hand the impact that dementia can have on families and that is what has prompted me to set up Our Story.

 

?It is so hard to watch somebody you love grappling with this awful disease and raising awareness of the condition is vital in helping to support those families dealing with dementia.?

 

He added: ?I?m really excited about the events that we have coming up and would urge people to show their support and join us on March 17 for a great night of music in support of Alzheimer Scotland.?

 

 John Condron said: ?"Writing and recording Dear Mama was cathartic experience and helped me deal with a lot of conflicting emotions I had following my Mama?s Alzheimer?s diagnosis. When the song was released, I was contacted by lots of people saying that it had resonated with them because they had a friend or family member who had also suffered this illness. They said they gathered strength from it and, in turn, that gave me strength.

 

?Most importantly, as it was shared far and wide, it helped to raise awareness of the great work done by organisations such as Alzheimer Scotland as they care for sufferers and support friends and family.

 

?I?m delighted to support Alzheimer Scotland and am looking forward to the fundraising event at Avant Garde next week, which will hopefully continue to raise awareness and much-needed financial support for the charity as they carry on their vitally important work."

 

Alzheimer Scotland Community Fundraiser, Bronwyn O?Riordan, is supporting the group at Our Story and said: ?I feel privileged and delighted to be involved in such a fantastic project - the volunteers are doing a tremendous amount of work to help raise awareness and much needed funds in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

 

 ?If you are interested in fundraising, supporting or organising events to help the estimated 90,000 people in Scotland affected by dementia then please get in touch.?

 

Tickets for the Avant Garde gig, which will take place at 7pm on Thursday, March 17, are available for £6 atwww.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/Avant-Garde/Our-Story/12672397/

To keep up to date with the Our Story project, visitwww.facebook.com/Our-Story-500018376845273 or follow @performanceart7 on Twitter.

 

If you would like to hold your own fundraising event, contact Bronwyn via email at boriordan@alzscot.org or on 01436 678 050 / 07818 402 729.

Tickets are no longer available for this event