This page details some of the Dementia Support activities and groups available locally.
Singing for the Brain – Dementia Support group
The Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain groups use singing and other activities to bring together people with dementia or memory loss.
Where?
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- Calcot – Tuesdays 1030 – 1200 at Kennet Valley Free Church, Carters Rise in Fords Farm, RG31 7YT.
- Emmer Green – Fridays 1030 – 1200 at St. Barnabas Church Hall, 20 St. Barnabas Road, RG4 8RA.
- Wokingham – Tuesdays 1030 – 1200 at The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, RG40 1UE.
- Charvil – Thursdays 1030 – 1200 at Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, RG10 9TR.
- Burghfield Common – Every other Weds 1330 – 1500 at Burghfield Common Methodist Church Hall, Reading Road, RG7 3QA.
There are also groups in Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury, Maidenhead, and Charvil.
To find out more contact the Alzheimer’s Society’s Reading office on 0118 959 6482.
Greyfriars Activities Group – Reading dementia support group
What is it? – Themed activities
When is it? – on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1030 – 1230.
Where is it? – at Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482
Empowerment Group – dementia support group
What is it? – Come and have your say! Encouraging people with dementia to speak out about issues affecting their lives.
When is it? – 3rd Monday of the month from 1400 – 1600
Where is it? – at the Alzheimer’s Society office Reading.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482
Gardening / craft
What is it? – Nature related craft activities.
When is it? – Tuesdays once a month 1030-1200.
Where is it? – Ufton Nervet / For venues contact Reading office.
Contact Reading office on 01628626331
Dance back in time – Maidenhead
What is it? – Music, dancing and afternoon tea.
When is it? – Last Tues of every month 1400-1530.
Where is it? – Highview, North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL.
Contact Annabel on 01628626331
Poetry Group – Midgham
What is it? – Bring along your favourite poem to share over lunch.
When is it? – Sep 27th & Nov 15th from 1230.
Where is it? – Berkshire Arms, Midgham, RG7 5UX.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482
Yoga – Thatcham
What is it? – Relaxing seated exercise, suitable for all abilities.
When is it? – Fridays 1400-1530.
Where is it? – Thatcham Rugby Club, Henwick Lane, RG18 3BN
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482
Dementia / Memory Cafe
What is it? – An opportunity to meet regularly and talk about living with dementia in an informal social environment. Information provided about dementia, local services and practical tips about living well with dementia.
When is it? – 2nd Friday of each month 1030-1200.
Where is it? – Coopers Hill Community Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 7QS
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482
Bluebells Day Centre
Bluebells Day Centre provides activities and care for people suffering with Dementia and related disabilities. Dementia can be a very isolating condition, importantly the Day Centre provides a chance for atttendees to engage socially. It also provides Respite Care to allow those who care for people with Dementia to have a little much needed time to themsleves. The Bluebells Day Centre was run by AgeUK for 20 years, however in 2018 it was one of six out of eight clubs earmarked for closure following cuts by Oxfordshire County Council. Staff, families and attendees were devastated by the loss of the service. There was a real need in Henley for the provision of services for people suffering with dementia. It was re-established as an independent charity and opened its doors again on April 25th, 2019. The project to replace the Bluebells Community Club was led by Henley Mayor, Councillor Glen Lambert and supported by many others. The Co-ordinator for the Bluebells service is Gardiner’s Care Worker, Suri Poulos.
Bluebells is open every Thursday from 10:30 to 15:30 at the Christ Church Centre, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1AG. A cooked lunch is provided by the Christ Church Centre. Bluebells works closely with the Henley Handybus and may be able to provide transportation to the Day Centre if required. If you would like to find out more about the Bluebells Day Centre please call Suri on 07931 980 597 – or email info@bluebellsdaycentre.org.uk
“Dementia is among the cruellest of conditions, slowly robbing a person of everything that makes them who they are. Day Centres, like Bluebells, are of enormous benefit to people suffering with dementia and to the carers who look after them. That we are now able to provide this service in Henley once again, is something we can all be proud of.” Glen Lambert, Mayor of Henley-on-Thames
Do you need help at home or to attends outing? Contact Gardiner’s to find out how we can help you.
