All Scotland's political leaders unite to back Daily Mail campaign for dementia carers

The leaders of all Scotland’s main political parties have given their backing to the Mail’s drive to support dementia carers.First Minister John Swinney led the cross-party support from the Holyrood leaders for the Dementia Carers Together appeal, which seeks to fund a pioneering support network for friends and family members who have loved ones living with the disease.The appeal, which aims to raise millions for nationwide six-week courses for friends and relatives, has secured support from across the political divide in Scotland and across the UK.Mr Swinney said: ‘Unpaid dementia carers do incredible work to support those they love, but this should not come at the expense of their own health and wellbeing.‘When a friend or relative is diagnosed with dementia it’s natural not to know what to do. It can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to play a supportive role in helping our friends and family.‘That is why initiatives like Dementia Carers Together are so important, helping carers access the information, support and connections they need throughout their dementia journey.’ John Swinney and Malcolm Offord have both backed the Mail's campaign Michael Marra and Russell Findlay highlighted the importance of supporting carersThe sessions, which will be delivered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland, will give vital support and information to friends and families about their rights and the services available to support them.They will also allow attendees to meet others in a similar situation and help address the loneliness, exhaustion and overwhelming responsibilities many face following a loved one’s diagnosis.Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: ‘I applaud the Daily Mail for this outstanding and timely campaign to help those who are dealing with this cruel disease.‘Working with experts and charities like Alzheimer’s Scotland will help to ease the pressures on those caring for loved ones, and I encourage everyone to give what they can to help this important cause.’Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra, who has campaigned for action on dementia in professional footballers from heading footballs, said: ‘This is an important campaign, and I commend the work of Alzheimer Scotland and The Scottish Daily Mail in raising awareness about this issue. ‘I have long called for former professional footballers in Scotland with dementia to be given greater support, and so I understand the need for action to be taken.‘Carers do an incredible job. However, we owe it to them to provide the help they need so that they can help others.‘These sessions will provide the practical help and information that can enable carers to get the support they need.’Reform UK’s Scottish leader Malcolm Offord said: ‘Everyone will owe a debt of gratitude to carers at some point in their life, and we owe them a debt of gratitude, but also our unconditional support.‘Dementia is truly one of the most devastating conditions for families to battle so we must not allow unpaid dementia carers to feel forgotten and unsupported.‘Hundreds of these six weekly sessions will empower carers to know their rights, connect them with other carers and make sure they look after themselves while they care for others. Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay was pleased to support the Mail's campaignScottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the campaign was 'vital'‘This is an incredible campaign putting support and resilience at the centre of the vocation so we stop carers feeling marooned as they selflessly protect their loved ones in the grips Alzheimer’s or dementia.’Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: ‘Dementia affects the whole family, and nobody should have to face its challenges without support. Family members often take on caring responsibilities while coping with the emotional impact of a loved one’s diagnosis.‘Having someone to turn to for advice, reassurance and understanding can make a real difference, and I would encourage anyone who can to support this campaign. Alzheimer Scotland does vital work supporting people living with dementia and their loved ones.‘I’m pleased to support this campaign to help more families access that support when they need it most.’Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘I’m very happy to support Dementia Carers Together, which will provide a lifeline for people facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances. As our population ages, more and more of us will find ourselves caring for families and friends with dementia. As things stand, too many are doing so without access to support, often for a number of long, exhausting years.‘Family and friend carers are effectively an invisible unpaid workforce doing the hardest work of their lives. We cannot leave them to struggle on their own, and Dementia Carers Together is a vital step towards making sure they too are supported and cared for.’Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is available seven days a week, 365 days a year, on 0808 303 3000. Or visit www.alzscot.org Dementia Carers Together Dementia Carers Together is raising money to fund new courses across the UK to give tens of thousands of struggling unpaid dementia carers vital emotional and practical support. For further information, visit dailymail.com/dementiaHow you can donateOnline: Visit mailforcecharity.co.uk/donateBy Text: To donate £10, text CARER to 70115. To donate £20, text LOVE to 70115. To donate £30, text HEART to 70115. Texts will cost your donation amount plus your network charge.By phone: Call 0300 1234577. Standard charges may apply.By cheque: Send cheques made payable to Mail Force Charity to:Dementia Carers Together, 42 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester CO2 8JY