BEAR Scotland has donated £1,000 on behalf of all staff to Queensferry Churches Care in the Community, also known as Queensferry Care, a charity dedicated to providing daily services to those who are socially isolated, have reduced mobility, long term health conditions or a diagnosis of dementia.

Queensferry Care (QCCC) is the third charity this year to benefit from BEAR’s charity initiative which focuses on supporting local and regional causes across the country in communities where BEAR operates. Staff from all areas of BEAR Scotland were invited to nominate local charities which were most important to them.

BEAR Scotland’s South East Correspondence Officer, Gillian Laurie, nominated the charity due to the support they provided to her Dad.

Gillian said: “Queensferry Care were a huge help to my parents when my dad was unwell. My dad was unable to leave the house and QCCC collected him every Thursday and took him to The Haven where he had other company and was cared for by the nicest staff – he really enjoyed his days at The Haven. Even when my dad was too unwell to leave the house, they had carers that would come to the house and spend quality time with him. Our family are very grateful to the care they gave my dad.”

Gillian recently met with some of the QCCC team, after the charity received its £1,000 donation.

QCCC Fundraising Manager, Sue Hope, said: “On behalf of all the team at QCCC I would like to extend our sincere thanks to BEAR Scotland for the extremely kind and generous donation of £1,000.  This funding will go towards our Day Opportunities service which offers support in The Haven, in the community and at home to older people and their carers living in South Queensferry, Ratho, Ratho Station, Dalmeny, Newbridge and Kirkliston.

“Our service is especially beneficial to those who have a diagnosis of dementia or who are socially isolated due to stroke or long-term health conditions.  We help to reduce social isolation and enable people to maintain an active, independent lifestyle within their own community.  QCCC is the only organisation in the area providing registered day services and volunteer led befriending services addressing the social aspect of support for older people.”