Dementia Friendly activities resume across Congleton

As part of Dementia Action Week (16-22 May), Dementia Friendly Congleton have published an updated version of its local activities booklet as more sessions and clubs open up following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Although not exclusively for people living with dementia and their carers, the activities listed in the ‘Gentle Activities for the Young at Heart’ booklet are dementia friendly. The leaflet is available to download via the town council website and free copies can be obtained from the Congleton Information Centre, Congleton library, the Museum and other local outlets.

One of several groups forced to close during the pandemic was the Time Out Group at Bromley Farm Community Centre. Established for 15 years, the group has recently resumed and is delighted to welcome back local residents. Organiser Glen Williams said: “A wide variety of activities is offered, to those with early-stage dementia. The session helps to improve people’s confidence and motivation by taking part in fun activities, including day trips, gentle exercise, music and arts and crafts. We meet every Thursday from 10am to 3pm. Members receive a two-course hot lunch with refreshments included in the £20 weekly cost.” Contact Margaret Butcher or Glen Williams on 01260 279707 or email:

bscdt@tiscali.co.uk

The Dementia Swap Shop has its home in Congleton library and is open all hours the library operates. Diane Ritherdon, Chair of Dementia Friendly Congleton said: “In a large cupboard you will find dementia friendly games, activities, exercises and twiddle muffs for swapping or borrowing. If you have never seen a twiddle muff, these are works of art knitted by local people with items sewn on the inside and outside to encourage twiddling. They not only keep the hands warm they help prevent atrophy due to lack of movement. Just pop into the library and ask one of the friendly members of staff for further details.”

The Old Saw Mill offers a variety of dementia friendly activities. The Knit and Natter group, meet on Tuesday’s from 2pm to 3pm. Join the group to swap patterns, tips and techniques and have a good yarn! Peter Aston of the Old Saw Mill said: “We have lots of exciting things going on. New sessions include ‘Bros’ a support group for men and a new women’s wellbeing support group. The popular Old Saw Mill Lunch Club continues every Friday, eligible residents receive a two-course home cooked lunch delivered to their door for just £4.” Contact The Old Saw Mill on 01260 277658.

The Forget me Not club has been running successfully since last Autumn at New Life Church. This is for people living with dementia and their carers. It is held on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12 noon. Activities include gentle exercise, music, quizzes and games. Also at New Life Church is the Less Able Club and the Jubilee Club. Contact Clare Sheard, New Life Church.

Congleton Cricket Club have an increasing number of regular guests on Mondays at their Company Corner from 10am-12 noon. Open to anyone who would like coffee, cake and some company. Contact Liz on 07717 736645.

For those who would like to learn more abut dementia and how to communicate effectively with someone who has dementia, free Dementia Friends Awareness sessions can be run for organisations and groups. Diane Ritherdon explains: “It only takes an hour and offers an insight into making life a little easier for those living with dementia. The content is designed by the Alzheimer’s Society.

For further information contact Diane Ritherdon on 07770 724932 or Congleton Town Council email:

info@congleton-tc.gov.uk