Mayor's charities

The details of the Mayors' charities for 2008/2009 are:

• Alzheimer’s Society
• Richmond Homes for Life
• REACT

Alzheimer's Society

What we do

Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them.

There are 700,000 people with dementia in the UK.

Alzheimer's Societyhas over 26,000 members and works through a network of more than 240 branches and around 5,000 volunteers.

The Society provides information and support for people with all forms of dementia and those who care for them through its:

• Local branch services
• Dementia helpline
• Publications
• Websites
• Research

It runs:

• Quality care services
• Advises professionals
• Campaigns for improved health and social care and greater public awareness and understanding of dementia.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.

The society funds an innovative programme of biomedical and social research in the area of cause, cure and care.

The Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow.

Key facts

• Dementia costs the UK £17 billion pounds per year.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia

Richmond Homes for Life

The Trust is a parent led organisation managing both registered Care homes and Supported Living Schemes for adults with learning disabilities. The Trust is dedicated to supporting the whole life experience of its residents and tenants living in its projects.

The Trust has always worked closely with The London Borough of Richmond and is an advocate for the individual needs of its residents and for their families.

Richmond Homes for Life Trust sponsors the very popular Look and Plan Club (LAP) where people with learning disabilities meet on Monday evenings and work together to decide how they are going to spend their leisure time. They are helped to organize their own outings and support each other.

The Trust also operates the Leisure Breakaway Scheme. This provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities who live at home to go on weekend trips away with their friends. The Breakaways enable parents and carers to enjoy a much needed break themselves too.

React

React is a small registered charity based in Kew, working to improve the quality of life for financially disadvantaged children with terminal or life-threatening illness throughout the UK.

React provides vital support in the form of specialist, domestic and educational equipment, hospital travel and subsistence costs, basic UK holidays in mobile home parks and practical support as required by each individual family.

All of the above, along with, very sadly, help with funeral expenses are provided in a quick and caring way. We help children only where support is not available through the National Health Service and Local Authority, and all applications must be endorsed by a medical or social work professional.