Social Support Groups for people living with Dementia in East Hampshire
Come out and socialize with these 5 great support groups and services for people living with dementia in East Hampshire and Midhurst!
It’s important as people, to keep our minds healthy and stimulated. To promote positive emotions and feelings, we should interact with family and friends and engage in hobbies and interests we enjoy. For those living with dementia, keeping a happy, stimulated mind is more important than ever and can be key to recalling positive memories from the past or building new, encouraging memories and relationships.
When it comes to communication, it can be hard for anyone, but for a person living with dementia, it can be even more difficult. We can help our loved ones by encouraging them to engage in activities that encourage natural socialization. Be sure to visit some of our suggested support groups below if you would like to take part in Dementia Activities that encourage reminiscence and sensory exploration.
Love 2 Move - Alton
You can find a wide variety of dementia friendly groups in Alton, from sewing to singing, crafts to gardening – your loved ones will surely find something they will enjoy. Love 2 Move is a unique, chair-based movement class to get movement and exercise involved with socialising and singing. The group is very welcoming, and you can drop in at any time. All dementia friendly facilities are wheelchair accessible and highly recommended for those living with dementia.
You can find Love 2 Move every Wednesday from 2pm – 3pm at Alton Community Centre. For other classes and groups, visit Dementia Friendly’s website here.
Legions Legends - Alton
Ex-service personnel and military enthusiasts are invited to join Legion’s Legends, a free social group that offers a safe and supportive environment for sharing stories and memories. It’s a free social group providing great opportunities for people with common interests to come together. Taking place on the second Thursday of every month, Legions Legends is on between 2pm and 3.30pm. The venue is friendly, accessible, and has plenty of free parking. Another brilliant group hosted by Dementia Friendly Alton.
Legions Legends is on at the Royal British Legion in Alton, directions here.
Alzheimer's Society Friendship Club – Petersfield
Providing social contact, peer support, activities and information for people living with dementia as well as informal carers, the Petersfield Alzheimer’s Society Friendship Club offers social contact, peer support and information to people living with dementia. Come meet other people in the same situation for free. Refreshments are also available.
You can find this group at the United Reformed Church in Petersfield.
Dementia Memory Café - Petersfield
Every third Wednesday of the month, Winton House hosts a Memory Café. The group meets at Winton House from 2pm until 3.30pm in the Pop-In Tea Room. When the weather permits, they take it outside to the garden. Guests include people living with dementia and their carers. They serve hot drinks in a café setting.
Winton House organizes trips to places of interest on a monthly basis for the over 65s, especially those who feel isolated. The trips are suitable for people with limited mobility and minibus transportation is provided to and from the door. They are held from April to November. You can find Winton House here.
GEMS Memory Friendship Group – Hedge End
At Kings Community Church in Hedge End, there is another wonderful friendship group. The church has a number of other groups on this site as well. This event costs £10 but includes lunch and entertainment. They encourage gentle memory skills and social interaction.
You can find this weekly event held at the Kings Community Church here.
