Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, dropped in to join the group at today’s (21 August) Wednesday Lunch Club.

The club offers a vital service to people living with dementia and their carers twice a month and is popular every time it meets.

Clare spoke to the attendees over lunch discussing how they felt about the club and what it did for them.

Clare said: “LEAP is a tremendous local charity, and so I was delighted to visit and learn more about their Wednesday Lunch Club.

“Dementia takes away the person we know and love, and the cruel disease places immense emotional and physical strain on people living with dementia and their carers.

“It was clear just how much of a lifeline the lunch club is to those living with dementia who took part in activities and were able to socialise, as well as for their caregivers too, who have a space to chat about shared experiences or seek practical advice and emotional support.

“The staff and volunteers at LEAP have done great work setting up such a vital and much-needed local group.”

Helen Jilks, LEAP’s dementia services development officer added: “Clare has been trying to get to the club for a while now so it was good to see her.

“She obviously got a lot from the visit and it was good to come at a time when some of the people are beginning to form friendships within the club.”