Dementia-friendly activities in Lewes District & Uckfield - Dementia Action Week 2024

As Dementia Action Week 2024 approaches, we are excited to participate and be hosting some of the various events and activities taking place across Lewes District & Uckfield. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma and promote a better understanding of dementia within our community.

Dementia affects millions of individuals worldwide, along with their families and caregivers. It is a condition that requires compassion, support and a collective effort to create a more inclusive society. During Dementia Action Week, we have the opportunity to come together, learn and take action in supporting those affected by this life-changing condition.

We encourage those who have dementia to participate in the events happening in the area. From informative workshops and support sessions to social gatherings, there is something for everyone to get involved in. Here are a few highlights from the action-packed week:

Monday 13th May:

Ridgewood Village Hall – Nibble & Natter – Free

12 – 2.30pm. Soup, drinks & cake supplied. This event is free for everyone. For further details please email [email protected]

Victoria Pavilion Singers welcomes Retro Rosie – donation gratefully received but not required

2.30pm – 3.45pm. Join for musical activities, sing along, even get up and dance with Retro Rosie. This takes place at Victoria Pavilion, Victoria Pleasure Ground, Uckfield, TN22 5DJ. Contact Thomas Chapman on 01825 760176 or email [email protected].

Tuesday 14th May 2024:

Ninfield Vintage Films and Musicals showing ‘The Graduate’ – Free

Doors open at 1.30pm for screening at 2.00pm. Admission and refreshments are free and the film will have subtitles. To ensure enough cake, please contact Jackie on 01424 892422 or email [email protected] if you would like to come.

Never Alone (second Tuesday of every month)

10.30am – 12pm. Meet like minded people in our community at our free monthly Never Alone. It is an opportunity to relax with a cup of tea or coffee a slice of cake and socialise with others. This takes place at Netwerk Café, 4 Fisher Street, Lewes, BN7 2DQ. Contact Howard on 01273 475557 or email [email protected].

Age We Care, Singing for the brain with Debra – donation gratefully received but not required

1.30pm – 2.30pm. Join for musical activities, sing along, even get up and dance with Debra! This takes place at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Cross-in-Hand, TN21 0LT. Contact Thomas Chapman on 01825 760176 or email [email protected].

Wednesday 15th May:

Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield’s Companionship Cafe – Free

2pm – 4pm. Our Companionship Cafe invites local older people to come and enjoy refreshments, games, quizzes and entertainment in a welcoming space. These weekly sessions take place at The Dorset Pub in Lewes. Contact: Alison on 01273 437040 or email [email protected] for more information. No need to book your space, just turn up.

Woodland Walk – Free

A guided walk around Uckfield’s lovely West Park Local Nature Reserve which includes mixed woodland, grassland, and sandstone outcrops. The walk is intended for those living with dementia and their carers, it will follow level surfaced paths and will include a shorter 20-minute loop plus a longer 45 minute loop. Meet at the Pavilion, refreshments will be available. Meet at West Park Local Nature Reserve, Markland Way, TN22 2DE. You will need to book onto this walk so please call Peter on 07535 340783 or email [email protected].

Community Lunch at Ridgewood Village Hall – £7

12.15pm – 3pm. This event offers a 2 course meal and entertainment. This must be pre-booked via [email protected].

Victoria Pavilion Singers – Su, with her piano and accordion – donation gratefully received but not required

2.30pm – 3.45pm, join for this regular musical activity. Sing along, even get up and dance with Su! Contact Thomas Chapman on 01825 760176 or email [email protected]. This takes place at Victoria Pavilion, Victoria Pleasure Ground, Uckfield, TN22 5DJ. Use Sussex Support Service for sat nav.

Thursday 16th May 2024:

Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield’s Dementia Information Evening – Free

6pm – 7.30pm. We will be providing the community with a supportive hub of information to start important conversations around dementia, memory loss, your loved ones needs and planning ahead. Join us on Thursday, May 16th for an insightful evening focused on understanding the early stages of dementia. Over a glass of wine or cup of coffee, our Director Alison Scutt will lead an open discussion offering guidance, advice and will provide answers to your questions. Visit Eventbrite to book your ticket.

Friday 17th May 2024:

Dementia Action Coffee Morning – Free 

10am – 12pm. Join for a coffee morning fundraiser featuring a raffle, tea, coffee, and cake, as well as possible live music. This takes place at Luxfords Restaurant, The Civic Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1AE. Contact 01825 762774 or email [email protected].

Seated Yoga with Suzi Tait – Free

11am, join for morning Yoga, followed by a home cooked Fish and Chip lunch. This takes place at Lydfords Care Home, 23 High Street, East Hoathly, East Sussex, BN8 6DR. Call Sam on 01825 840259 to book your place or email [email protected].

Online:

Silver Stories: Wonderfully simple but with the most incredibly positive impact for both Silver Listeners and Silver Readers. Children (known as Silver Readers) telephone a Silver Listener every week and then read a short story or poem to them. This not only helps the children to become more confident in their reading skills but also links our children to the older members of our communities and helps diminish their chances of feeling isolated.

Music For Dementia: People with dementia have an amazing ability to remember songs. Recent studies show that musical training delays cognitive decline and promotes the brain’s ability to adapt to change. So, check out this radio station specifically for people with dementia. They play old classics 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Visit www.m4dradio.com