The Role of Community Support for Wellbeing in Dartford
Discover how Home Instead Dartford supports wellbeing through local groups, partnerships, and events that combat loneliness and build community connections.
At Home Instead Dartford, we believe that wellbeing isn’t just about physical health; it’s about feeling connected, valued, and part of something bigger. That’s why community support plays such a vital role in the care we offer and the lives we help improve.
Many of the older adults we support live alone or find it difficult to stay connected with others. Whether it’s due to mobility issues, memory loss, bereavement, or simply changes in circumstances, loneliness can creep in. That’s why we don’t just talk about companionship, we actively create it.
Local Groups That Make a Difference
To help combat loneliness and bring people together, we run several friendly, welcoming community groups across the area:
– Singtastic Erith: Held on the last Wednesday of every month, this upbeat music group brings people together to sing, smile and socialise. You don’t need to be a great singer to enjoy it – it’s all about joining in.
– St John’s Silver Birch Lunch Club: On the first Thursday of every month, we help run this popular lunch club at St John’s Church in Erith. It’s a warm and relaxed setting where older people can share a meal and catch up with friends old and new.
– Memory Lane Melodies: This new group runs on the third Thursday of every month and is designed especially for people living with dementia and their families, but also open to everyone. Music is a powerful way to reconnect with memories and emotions, and we’re excited to see this group flourish.
– Singing for the Brain: Hosted every six to eight weeks at the Community Hospice in Abbey Wood, this Alzheimer’s Society initiative combines music, movement, and memory work in a safe and joyful environment.
These groups aren’t just events, they’re lifelines. They offer routine, purpose, and the simple joy of a friendly chat. Many of our clients and their families say it gives them something to look forward to and helps them feel more connected to the world around them.
Working Together for Greater Impact
Community wellbeing doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s something we build together, hand in hand with others who care. That’s why we’re proud to work closely with:
- The Alzheimer’s Society in Bexley
- St John’s Church and Christ Church in Erith
- Ellenor Hospice in Gravesend
- Community Hospice in Abbey Wood
- Evergreen Charity in Wilmington
These partnerships help us support families more effectively, refer people to the right services, and create joined-up care that really works.
Whether it’s supporting someone through a dementia diagnosis, arranging a befriending visit, or simply making sure someone isn’t eating alone, these local relationships matter. They allow us to extend our care far beyond the home and into the heart of the community.
The WOW Guide: A Resource for Everyone
We’re also developing a new What’s on Where (WoW) guide to make it easier for people to find out what’s happening locally. An online version is already live and available here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957314319823189
The idea is simple: we want families, neighbours, and Care Professionals to have an easy-to-use guide to local events, support groups, and activities that help older adults stay active, connected, and well.
Supporting Wellbeing, One Connection at a Time
At Home Instead Dartford, we know that care is about more than tasks and timetables. It’s about dignity, joy, and human connection. By running groups, building partnerships, and creating local resources, we’re working to support every aspect of wellbeing in our community.
If you’d like to find out more about our local events or how we support families through personalised home care, feel free to get in touch or join us at one of our monthly meetups.
You’ll always be welcome.
