The Memory Tree - supporting people with dementia and their families in the local community
We run 4 Memory Clubs in the Bradford area: Shipley, Keighley, Idle and Low Moor. Clubs meet twice a month and provide social & emotional support to local families living with dementia. Friendship and a warm welcome are guaranteed; in the words of many of our members: ' The Memory Club is a lifeline - we don't know what we would do without it". We are different to Wellbeing Cafes because during the 2nd half of our meetings we provide separate & structured groups for the person & the carer.
Why the community needs usWe should be positive about dementia but not deny this is a devastating condition. Loss of memory & cognitive skills cannot but cause deep grief to everyone and the caring role is often exhausting, heartbreaking, frequently thankless and socially isolating. It is too much for one person to carry alone. Memory Clubs bring a network of local support and love around the family so they know they are no longer alone. For some carers the time apart at our Clubs is the only time they get apart.
Our impact on the communityOver the past 5 years the number of Clubs has grown from an initial pilot to 4 healthy groups. Each Club has 8 -10 families who are regular attenders, plus a number of others who drop in as and when. Each Club is supported by a committed team of 3 - 5 volunteers. Our volunteers are the local heart of each Club and their care is what makes Memory Clubs special - many carers stay on as volunteers after their caring role ends and many people with dementia like to help out too.
