Supporting Our Community: Monthly Dementia Sessions at Loughton and Ongar Libraries
At Home Instead Epping Forest, we’ve always believed that the best kind of care happens when a community comes together. While we spend much of our time providing one-on-one support in people’s homes, we know that there is a huge need for accessible, face-to-face advice in the places where our neighbours already feel comfortable.
That is why we are so pleased to continue our partnership with Essex Libraries. Every month, we set up shop at Loughton Library and Chipping Ongar Library to host our Dementia Support Sessions. These aren’t clinical appointments or stressful assessments; they are simply an open door for anyone in our community who needs a bit of guidance or a friendly ear.
A Friendly Face in a Familiar Place
If you’ve ever felt a bit lost after a dementia diagnosis, or if you are a family carer feeling the weight of your responsibilities, please know that you are welcome to join us. Our Client Relationship Manager, Maureen, leads these sessions with the goal of making support feel like a chat in your own front room.
We bring along an abundance of practical advice, from tips on navigating the local healthcare system to helpful handouts you can read at your own pace. The atmosphere is always relaxed; there’s no need to book, no “check-in” desk, and certainly no pressure. You can just drop in while you’re picking up your weekly books or visiting the high street.
We are also huge fans of the libraries themselves. Essex Libraries do so much more than just lend books. From their mobile library services that reach those who can’t easily leave home, to their wonderful collection of audiobooks and their “Warm Hub” social spaces, they are the heartbeat of Epping Forest. We’re proud to work alongside them to help raise awareness of these valuable local resources.
Pop these dates in your 2026 diary (10:00 am – 12:00 noon):
– Loughton Library: Join us on Tuesday 19th May and Tuesday 9th June.
– Chipping Ongar Library: We’ll be there on Friday 22nd May and Friday 19th June.
Keeping Our Neighbours Safe: Partnering with Essex Police
One of the most important aspects of our library sessions is our collaboration with Essex Police. We’ve seen firsthand how upsetting it can be when a vulnerable member of our community is targeted by a scam. Whether it’s a suspicious phone call or a doorstep “tradesman,” these fraudsters can be very convincing.
Because we want our clients and neighbours to feel confident and protected, we often share our library space with Essex Police. They provide vital information on the latest scams circulating in the Essex area. During these sessions, you can have a private, one-to-one conversation with an officer if you’re worried about something that has happened to you or a loved one.
This partnership has grown so much that we’ve helped organise scam-awareness talks across the area, from local leisure centres and private residential homes to the Dementia Bowls Group and our very own Memory Lane sessions. Keeping Epping Forest safe is a team effort.
Specialist Dementia Care in Epping Forest
While our library sessions are a great starting point for information, we know that many families eventually reach a stage where they need more consistent help at home.
Dementia care is close to our hearts at Home Instead. We don’t just provide a service; we match our Care Professionals to our clients based on personalities and shared interests.
This means that for someone living with dementia, there is a consistent, familiar face coming through the door.
If you can’t make it to the library but want to chat, please do give us a call. We’re your local experts, and we’re here to help our community thrive. Telephone 01992 666777 or enquire online here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a place for the dementia sessions? No, there is no need to book. These are informal drop-in sessions. You can come for the full two hours or just pop in for ten minutes to pick up some information.
Is there a cost to attend? Not at all. These sessions are entirely free and are part of our commitment to supporting the Epping Forest community.
Can I come alone if I am a carer? Absolutely. Many of our visitors are family members or friends looking for advice on how to better support a loved one. You don’t need to bring the person you care for to attend.
What kind of scam advice do the police provide? Essex Police offer guidance on everything from “courier fraud” and telephone scams to doorstep safety. They provide physical handouts and can offer one-to-one advice if you believe you’ve been targeted.