We think it’s important that people living with dementia are able to stay connected to others with a shared interest in their local community and therefore our groups are open to everyone, not just those affected by dementia.
To find out more about any of our groups email us at info@dignityindementia.org or ring Diane on 07771 682378
Dementia Embracing Community Singing Groups in Sedbergh & Silverdale
Our singing groups enable individuals with dementia to come together with others in their local communities to sing and have fun. While many activities are closed to people with dementia, singing has the power to reach them and put them on an equal footing with others again, even if only for that brief time.
The songs that the groups sing are chosen so that they resonate to the emotions of group members thereby improving their emotional well-being. Generally, they are upbeat from the 50s and 60s and popular shows.
If you are interested in setting up your own Dementia Embracing Singing Group in a different location, we have produced a guide to help. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
Free Dementia Friendly Walking Groups around
- Arnside/Silverdale/Grange/Cartmel/Sizergh
- Southern Area of the Lake District National Park
Friendly and welcoming regular easy guided walks for people living with dementia who are accompanied by a supporter. Generally, they start and finish at café where we go for refreshments after the walk. However, if a café isn’t available we ask walkers bring a flask and a chair.
Woodland Wellness Sessions
There’s a wealth of research to show that spending time outdoors and close to nature can have a hugely positive effect on our wellbeing. Therefore, we run enjoyable, friendly outdoor sessions every other week in the woods by Arnside Knott Carpark.
Example Activities:
- Woodland art using items from the woodland floor
- Cloudwatching
- Woodland poems and literature
- A simple lunch cooked over a fire
- Nature quizzes
- Making seasonal decorations
Participants need to dress for the weather and bring a chair and a flask.
Sessions are free but we may ask for a small contribution to cover the cost of materials/food.
Sociable Table Tennis
You may not have played table tennis for a very long time but do come along and join us for some fun at the table and a really good sociable time with others.
Research shows that table tennis can have real cognitive benefits for people with dementia – and their family member of course. It’s also great fun. Therefore, we’re running sociable table tennis sessions at Arnside Educational Institute every other Wednesday morning. People with mobility issues can participate as we have a table adaption, and they can play sitting down.
The only equipment needed are comfortable clothes and suitable footwear – everything else is provided.
Thanks to Active Cumbria and Sport England who fund these sessions.
Monthly Evening Supper Club
The people we support have told us that they would like to do more in the evenings and therefore we have set up a monthly evening supper club.
We meet at a local pub around the Milnthorpe, Arnside, Silverdale area, or organise a take-away that we can eat together in a local hall, or even outside if the weather is good. People turn up, have a sociable time and pay for their meal at the end of the evening.
Zoom Poetry Chatroom
Our zoom Poetry Chatroom provides an enjoyable hour to listen to and read poems, prose and stories. Whilst everyone is offered the opportunity to read, there is no compulsion and a few of our members prefer just to listen. They do enjoy contributing to conversations about the memories the readings provoke though.
And finally something completely different …….
Dennis Wesson, one of our clients, produced the artwork for this poem, ‘The Star and the Boy’ approximately 40 years ago. One day after walking with Lesley, one of our directors, he showed her the drawings. He can’t remember why he did them or what the original story was, however, Lesley who enjoys writing poetry, suggested that she create a poem to go with the images. This is the result.
Dennis is a retired graphic designer, who went to art college in Lancaster in the 1970s. Prior to developing Parkinson’s Disease and then Parkinson’s dementia, Dennis loved spending time his family and friends, cycling and playing football. These days he enjoys walking and going out for coffee. Sometimes he walks with Lesley. Dennis and his wife Jill are also valued members of Dignity in Dementia’s South Lakes Dementia Friendly Walking Group, our Woodland Wellness Group and our Zoom Poetry Group.
