Devon not-for-profit dementia care provider wins prestigious international award
An Exeter-based not-for-profit dementia day care service has won a prestigious international award and a grant of 100,000 euros to help more families in the community and to expand its operation across the UK.
The Filo Project is one of just four organisations worldwide to be awarded a Fit For Life Foundation award, chosen from over 350 applicants across 80 countries.
The Foundation awards grants of 100,000 euros to not-for-profit or social enterprises that are pioneering projects to promote life-long fitness, mobility and health in ageing societies around the world.
Just as a childminder opens up their home, The Filo Project’s innovative dementia day care model sees carefully-selected hosts welcoming into their homes small groups of older people with early to moderate dementia, many of whom are socially or geographically isolated.
Hosts collect small groups of clients and drive them to their home for a shared, joyful day and home-cooked lunch. The day is not prescriptive and activities flex to each group’s interests and abilities.
The Filo Project was selected for the award in recognition of its work showing that a more intimate care setting allows people with dementia to grow in confidence, make friends and reduce their risk of physical and mental health issues associated with isolation. Many of their clients report stabilised or even improved symptoms.
Additionally, family carers benefit from regular, extended respite from the challenges of looking after their loved one and are offered a personalised support service to help them navigate the local health and social care systems and understand the financial support they may be entitled to.
The Filo Project plans to use the funding boost to help meet huge demand from local authorities in other areas of the UK, amidst the closure of many buildings-based day centres.
The service is well-established in the South West of England and last year expanded to East Lancashire. Since its formation in 2014 it has supported around 3000 people with dementia.
Libby Price, Co-Director of The Filo Project, explains their plans for expansion and hopes for helping more local families affected by dementia:
“This award will be a significant boost to help us expand to meet demand for our unique service in other areas of the UK, as we’ll be able to employ and train more hosts and staff.
“Dementia and memory loss can be a very isolating, worrying time for families who feel they are gradually losing their loved one. According to Alzheimer’s Society there are 900,000 people with dementia in the UK and we know many families struggle to access the personalised care and respite they need – that’s why we set up The Filo Project nine years ago.
“The Filo Project shows that with good quality care and support, people can still live well with dementia. We see this day in, day out with our clients whose symptoms and mood improve as they feel valued and regain their sense of self-worth, but we were still thrilled to hear we had won the Fit for Life Foundation award this year as there is such stiff competition across the world.”
Fit of Life Philosophy Champion, Jack Lowe, said: "We are very proud to support the Filo Project, one of our Fit for Life Laureates 2023. Dementia care is a complex issue due to the fact there are no known treatments available yet.
“The Filo Project provides relief to carers and de-stigmatises people affected by dementia by treating them with dignity and improving their overall wellbeing through an agile, personalised, and scalable model."
If you are interested in becoming a host or to find out more about The Filo Project visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.
For more information on Fit For Life visit https://www.fitforlife.foundation/awards
