Dementia support in East Lothian
People with dementia have told us they want to remain as independent as possible and to enjoy daily life, activities and connections. 
The following help is available for people with dementia and their carers:
Community support
Social and community supports help people with dementia to remain healthy, active and engaged. In East Lothian we have a range of group and 1:1 support services available. Volunteer Centre East Lothian (link to VCEL) hold a community directory and their locality workers can help advise what may be suitable in your area. Libraries are also a good source of local services.
Friendship groups
Run by Dementia Friendly East Lothian, the Friendship Groups offer peer support and chance to be part of a social group. Groups take part in activities for people with dementia and offer support to carers, family members and friends.
Find our more about Friendship Groups
Dementia Friendly East Lothian website
Dementia cafes
D'Cafes, run by Alzheimer’s Scotland, are for people living with dementia and their families. They offer an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers.
The first half hour is spent together, as a whole group, taking refreshments and getting to know each other. Following that people split into an activities group and a facilitated carer support group for the remaining hour.
D’cafes run monthly and are currently available in Musselburgh, Tranent and Dunbar.
Contact Alzheimer Scotland for more information
Find support near you | Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland: East Lothian Services (PDF)
Meeting centres
Meeting Centres offer more enhanced support to people with dementia and their carers. They offer:
- A social club where people meet to have fun, talk to others and get help.
- Help people with dementia to adjust to their diagnosis and understand how to manage symptoms.
- Offer signposting to other resources and services
- Are mainly led by people with dementia and their carers
- Are best suited to people with mild to moderate dementia.
The first meeting centre in East Lothian opened its doors in April 2023 and is in Musselburgh. Planning for development of ‘satellite’ centres throughout East Lothian is underway.
Contact East Lothian Meeting Centre
Day centres
Day Centres offer support for people with more advanced dementia and mobility problems and can also provide help with personal care. They offer:
- Companionship, stimulation and a range of activities.
- Carers a chance to take time for themselves away from caring responsibilities
- Activities within the day centre
- Activities within the community on an outreach basis to provide flexible support
Find your local centre: