The Waldensian Church receives public funds through Otto per Mille (“eight per thousand”) law in Italy, for the purpose of social programmes, both within Italy and abroad. Italian citizens have the option to donate 0.8% (or an eight-per-thousand portion) of their annual taxes to a charitable organisation of their choice.
With the support of funds from the Waldensian Church of Italy, Foundation Compassion Alzheimer Bulgaria has implemented a project in the cities of Sofia and in Varna, to provide centers for information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The main objective of this project is to provide much-needed services, including psychological and legal consultations for the families and people living with dementia, but also to implement awareness-raising activities. Monthly project activities, including Alzheimer cafés and self-help groups, are important tools for social support.
As part of this project, the Foundation recently visited the buildings of the Italian organisation, Rifugio Re Carlo Alberto, which includes a nursing home for people living with dementia and a day care centre. In May 2019, in the city of Varna, the Italian Rifugio team conducted a training session for practitioners engaged in the work of providing settings and services for people with dementia. The Rifugio team also presented the Italian experience about the services provided at the day care centre and their work in the community. In order to further this cultural exchange of ideas and experience, a second training will be organised in Bulgaria in the first half of 2020.
Thanks to various media events, the Foundation continues to spread the message for the urgent need for adequate policies and services for people living with dementia. The Foundation takes part in a working group to map strategic directions for the improvement of the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dementia, in line with the 2020 Bulgarian National Health Strategy. This work group is composed of representatives of various institutions, experts and NGOs and the process is initiated by and with the participation of the Bulgarian Society of Dementia.
