Every Day Dementia Charities and Support Groups in Surrey
We understand that both living with dementia, and looking after someone with dementia, is not easy and can be incredibly stressful. It is therefore vital to seek support; you can’t, and shouldn’t, do everything alone.
Luckily, there are many different dementia support groups and dementia charities that conduct events and provide support in Surrey, and the majority of them are free.
What are the benefits of dementia support groups?
To make it easier on both carers and those receiving dementia care in Surrey, there is a range of different support groups designed to help reassure and advise those who are worried.
These specialist dementia support groups offer a variety of expert approaches designed to ease the patient if they require extra support and guidance.
Often run by dementia charities, these support groups allow the patient to talk about how they’re feeling, whilst also offering some often-missed company and activities and workshops to stimulate the mind.
Here are some fantastic groups suitable for those receiving dementia care in Surrey, as well as the carers who look after them:
Mid Surrey Dementia Care Trust
The Conservatory Club is run by dementia charities at the Fairfield Day Centre in Leatherhead. Open from 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday, the centre helps people struggling with their memory to maintain their social and communication skills.
Carers are also supported, and the visit will provide you with a well-earned rest. A day here costs £17, but this includes a midday meal, as well as other benefits. Financial help is available if you are unable to afford the cost.
Friends with Dementia Resource Centre
Provided by Friends with Dementia, this centre offers information and support regarding dementia. There is a special lending library here, with books, DVDs and practical activity packs. Plus, visitors can get online to check their emails or look other things up on the internet.
Both groups and individuals can drop by and share their experiences with dementia. The Friends with Dementia Resource Centre is located in the Bradbury Centre, Woking.
Dementia Carers Support
These dementia support groups are great for carers who need respite from their day to day duties. Your loved one can take part in the fun activities, which are overseen by one of Dementia Carers Support’s volunteers, allowing you to sit back and relax.
It’s a chance to share your stories and problems with fellow carers over a cup of tea – an opportunity that becomes rare when you’re a full-time carer. These meetups take place in New Haw and Englefield Green.
Carers of Epsom
Carers of Epsom provides services to carers who look after someone living with an illness or disability in the boroughs of Epsom and Ewell and the north side of Reigate and Banstead. You can either pay a visit to the group’s offices in The Old Town Hall, Epsom, or ask them to come somewhere you feel comfortable.
The group’s services include training, social events, access to respite funds, carer groups and more.
Epsom Singing for the Brain
This group offers carers and people receiving dementia care in Surrey something a bit different, as it’s a singing group. The fun and friendly atmosphere is perfect for anyone feeling a bit isolated or lonely, plus the activities are stimulating for the brain. You and the person you’re caring for will be able to sing a wide variety of songs and take part in vocal warm-ups.
To get involved, pay a visit to the Wells Centre in Epsom.
Weybridge Forget Me Not Café
If you’re looking for an informal and comfortable setting in which to talk with other people living with dementia and their carers, this meetup is ideal. Also run by the Alzheimer’s Society, this group provides information about dementia, as well as a chance to relax with people in the same situation as you.
It’s a great place to vent about any frustrations and receive helpful advice. These meetups take place in the Weybridge Day Centre.
Surrey Health Wellbeing Centres
These centres, which are run by the council and located all across Surrey, provide aid for people living with dementia and those just wanting to improve their short-term memory. Information and support regarding dementia is available, plus carers are catered for too.
If you want to remain independent and stay in your own home, rather than going into a care home, these centres will offer you advice on how to do that. You’ll even be able to try some different types of telecare equipment.
A short break once in a while from your everyday caring duties is great; of course, for some people it’s not enough. If you’re struggling to look after someone receiving dementia care in Surrey, but don’t want to force them to move into a care home, there are other options locally.
