Adopt a Grandparent expands into Scotland through new social care and educational partnerships
Adopt a Grandparent, an independent charity seeking to build intergenerational relationships across the globe, has announced its expansion into Scotland with the establishment of its first Scottish office base at Edinburgh's Napier University's Entrepreneurship hub, as well as joining forces with a Scottish care home.
Adopt a Grandparent, an organisation committed to reducing loneliness amongst the elderly population, has solidified a partnership with Napier University’s entrepreneurial hub – standing as a pivotal moment in the organisation's evolution. Alongside this partnership, the charity has also had its first Scottish dementia home join the scheme.
The strategic office location at Edinburgh Napier University will serve as a central hub, providing access to state-of-the-art meeting and event venues. This official collaboration with the university signifies the charity’s dedication to cultivating meaningful associations within the academic landscape, leveraging the renowned School of Health and Social Care and the School of Applied Sciences.
Nick Fannin, Head of Entrepreneurship at Edinburgh's Napier University, conveyed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating:
"Welcoming Adopt a Grandparent to our entrepreneurship hub resonates deeply with our commitment to supporting innovative initiatives and building impactful connections within our community. With a shared commitment to innovation and social impact, the collaboration symbolises our dedication to nurturing and incubating schemes that transcend boundaries and catalyse meaningful change.”
Adopt a Grandparent’s resonance in Scotland extends beyond academia, as Hillview Advinia Care becomes the first Scottish care home group to officially join forces with the charity. With 130 residents and a substantial dementia unit, Hillview Advinia Care epitomises Adopt a Grandparent’s vision of reducing isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly population.
In celebration of this significant partnership with the care home, a special Adopt a Grandparent fundraiser is planned for Saturday, December 9th, featuring a Christmas Fair and baking sessions. With volunteers as young as 5 years old attending to support the fundraiser and spend quality time with the residents of the dementia unit, the charity is hoping to demonstrate a true example of intergenerational companionship.
Nika Noakes, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, said:
“We are so excited about the prospects that these partnerships bring and are committed to amplifying our impact within the university and the broader community. This collaboration with both the university and Hillview Advinia Care marks a monumental milestone for us as we extend our footprint and impact in Scotland. The support from the care settings further fortifies our commitment to building enduring connections that transcend generations and geographical boundaries."
As Adopt a Grandparent establishes itself in Scotland, these partnerships lay the groundwork for encouraging intergenerational relationships and enhancing the wellbeing of the elderly population.