A not for profit organisation in Walsall supporting people living with dementia has received a funding boost.
Mindful Gifts CIC, based in Darlaston, has received £1,680 from Heart of England Community Foundation to help cope with the running costs of its shop in Church Street.
The community cause not only sells gifts suitable for people with dementia but also runs a host of activities for residents, including those with the condition.
The shop aims to transport visitors back in time, featuring themed rooms including an old fashioned living room, scullery, market and toy shop.
Funding from the Foundation will go towards heating costs at the shop.
Vicki Phipps, founder of Mindful Gifts CIC, said: “We specialise in dementia products and have grown to sell more than 250 items including everything from handmade gifts to assistive technology goods.
“We also deliver a range of activities including art, crafts and games and welcome visitors to relax and enjoy tea, coffee and cake and can be booked to host tea parties.
“The shop is run by a number of volunteers and is a real community asset. We receive visits from local residents, care homes and the Ring and Ride service, with people coming along to enjoy taking part in hobbies and socialising with friends.
“We try to be as sustainable as possible, but we are based in a large listed building so can sometimes struggle with the basic running costs.
“This is why grants such as the one we received from the Heart of England Community Foundation are so important. We wouldn’t be able to continue our work without the support of organisations like this.”
Foundation CEO, Tina Costello, said: “Mindful Gifts CIC is a wonderful community organisation which not only provides meaningful gifts for those with dementia, but also hosts a number of activity sessions to benefit the community.
“We look forward to hearing more about the shop continuing to go from strength to strength in the future.”
Further information about Mindful Gifts CIC is available at https://www.mindfulgifts.co.uk/