The elderly

There are over a million people aged 65 and over in Scotland. Many of these can be classified as vulnerable or in need of support: people over 65 account for 70% of emergency admissions to local hospitals, while people over 70 live with an average of three chronic health conditions,. The Royal Caledonian Charities Trust has donated to a number of organisations working with the elderly in the past - you can find two examples of these amazing charities here.

Hearts & Minds

Hearts & Minds help vulnerable people overcome feelings of powerlessness, anxiety and isolation through the art of therapeutic clowning. The charity works in collaboration with paediatric healthcare units, respite centres, dementia units, and schools for learners with complex additional support needs to deliver laughter, friendship and support to those who need it most.

Its Elderflowers Programme helps people living with dementia or dementia-related conditions in hospitals and residential care homes. Through playfulness, smiles and laughter, the Hearts & Minds team help all of these vulnerable people to deal with the anxiety, fear, confusion and sadness that their situations and conditions may bring. The Royal Caledonian Charities Trust has supported the Elderflowers through multiple grants over the years.

Appin Community Development Trust

Appin is a remote rural community of around 600 people in north Argyll with 33% of residents over retirement age. Many of these residents are no longer able to drive and with no public transport available and significant distances to travel to reach shops and other services, those who are frail, elderly and/or disabled become increasingly housebound and socially isolated over time.

In 2018, the Appin Community Development Trust established a volunteer-run community transport service to help those in need, with the aim of supporting them to continue living safe and healthy lives in their own homes and helping them overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness through more active social engagement. A grant from the Royal Caledonian Charities Trust helped them acquire a new, wheelchair accessible vehicle for this service.