A regional program dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners is celebrating a year of rejuvenation and community impact.
The Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts says Friendship Circle relaunched following a grant opportunity from the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO) Foundation in 2023.
Officials say the program was established in 2018 and temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but has now resumed.
They say it’s designed to combat social isolation, and the stigma associated with dementia
Numerous activities have been hosted in various communities, including Leisure Farms in Sturgeon Falls and the Chief Commanda II in North Bay.
The society says recent studies show adults over 50 years of age face increased risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, and dementia due to social isolation.
They add Friendship Circle aims to mitigate these risks by providing a supportive network that celebrates individuals for who they are, beyond their diagnoses.
However, officials say with current grants ending, the program faces funding challenges.
They add they’re committed to securing additional resources to sustain what they call a vital program.
