The Answer Project and MOOD
The Answer Project provides support to older people from the Whitburn area of West Lothian. They previously operated from a local church but had ambitions to provide a more comprehensive service for their client group. They developed plans for a purpose-built day centre to enable them to develop their services.
The Answer Project applied to the Trust in 2003 and again in 2004 but were twice turned down by the Trust as it was felt that their plans were too ambitious and unlikely to succeed. Perseverance paid off and when revised plans on a smaller scale were submitted a capital donation of £30,000 was agreed. The Centre opened in June 2006 and now provides a full range of services for older people including a community café, day care for people with dementia and office space for other organisations working with this client group including MOOD.
MOOD (Mental Health Options for Older People) successfully applied for a three year revenue donation from The Robertson Trust to enable them to develop their work with older men who are at risk of committing suicide. The project provides opportunities for men to meet with others and develop a programme of activities to get them out of the house and involved in the community. Activities have included a photography project in conjunction with local schools and a local history group. A three year donation of £15,000 has enabled them to continue this programme which is supported by volunteers.