Hello

In this month’s newsletter…

1. Welcome message from our CEO, Sally

2. Our July highlights

3. Important Information for TDS Members

4. Sign Up for the Together Trail 2026!

5. Have Your Say on the Future of Social Care

6. Free Carers' ID Card Now Available

7. Planning for the Future – Share Your Views

8. Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming TDS Events

9. Recommendation: Helping Handle for Cars

Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally

Welcome to our August newsletter! It will show you some lovely events that took place in July and let you know about open groups and Cafes that you can attend this month – and then our trip to Cleveleys (next to Blackpool) in September. We really hope you’ll book on and have a nice day by the sea. If your relative is into cricket, please see the special dementia-friendly cricket day at Old Trafford, and consider booking – it’s organised by Dementia Adventure and is free!

Do you like change? Change can be unwelcome and difficult especially because we all have in common the devastating impact of dementia and the loss that it brings. But is there anything we can each change in the midst of all that – something that might make a small positive difference. I recently arranged a meeting with my parents’ care agency so that my Mum could voice her unhappiness about the care package. It was actually a positive experience and my Mum is (for now) more accepting of the care. One of you told me about a Carefree break you took. Although you were still doing paid work tasks from your hotel room, you still benefitted from the change of scenery. 

Andy Burnham is certainly inspiring me with his many ideas and proposals for change. So perhaps let’s each see if we can think of something we can do to make a positive change.

Our August Highlights:

• A Day Out at RHS Bridgewater Garden

  Members of our Wythenshawe Friendship & Activity Group enjoyed a wonderful day out at RHS Garden Bridgewater, taking in the beautiful gardens, fresh air and good company. Days like these provide valuable opportunities to socialise, stay active and make new memories together. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces enjoying the sunshine. 

• Carers' Summer Social 

  Our annual Carers' Summer Social brought carers together for a relaxed evening of good food, conversation and support. As Jo, one of our team, said: "Friendships made, stories shared & ideas for carers meet-ups discussed." Paula added: "Such a lovely night, the food looked great and the restaurant owner was so welcoming." Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a special evening.

•  Stephen Raises Over £2,200 in Memory of His Nan

  A huge congratulations and thank you to Stephen, who raised an incredible £2,286 by completing the Great North Swim in memory of his beloved nan, Alma. Stephen chose to support Together Dementia Support because he wanted his fundraising to make a real difference to local people living with dementia and their families. Thank you, Stephen, for your amazing achievement and for helping us continue to provide vital dementia support across Manchester.

Important Information for TDS Members

Many of our members and carers will recently have received a letter via email about changes to Together Dementia Support's attendance fees and transport charges, which will come into effect from 1^st September 2026.

Like many charities, we've seen a significant increase in the cost of delivering our services, while demand for dementia support across Manchester continues to grow. These changes have been carefully considered and will help ensure we can continue providing our specialist groups, activities and one-to-one support for years to come.

If you haven't already done so, please read your letter carefully, as it contains important information about the new charges, eligibility for the reduced attendance fee, and what you need to do if you receive qualifying means-tested benefits. If you think you may be eligible for the reduced rate, please remember to submit your evidence by 31^st August 2026.

If you have any questions about the changes, payments or applying for the reduced rate, please contact Rachael directly using the details provided in your letter.

Sign Up For Our Together Trail 2026

There's still time to sign up for the Together Trail 2026! Join us on Saturday 12th September at Wythenshawe Park for a fun sponsored walk to raise money for local people living with dementia and their carers.

Choose to walk one 2.2km lap or complete as many as you'd like at your own pace. Whether you're taking part in memory of a loved one, with family and friends, or simply to support Together Dementia Support, every step you take will make a difference.

Registration is free, and we ask everyone taking part to aim to raise £100. Raise £50, and you'll receive an official Together Trail T-shirt, and raise £100 to earn your Together Trail medal.

We'd love to see you there!

Have Your Say On The Future of Social Care

A The Government has made social care reform a key priority, and an important new national conversation is now underway. Baroness Louise Casey has launched The Big Conversation on Care, inviting people across England to help shape the future of adult social care and a proposed National Care Service.

Over the coming months, the public will be asked to share their views on some of the biggest questions facing social care, including who should be eligible for support, what role families should play, and how care should be funded fairly and sustainably. The consultation aims to hear from one million people before recommendations are presented to the Government in 2027.

At Together Dementia Support, we welcome this opportunity for people living with dementia, carers and families to have their voices heard. We know how vital high-quality social care and community-based dementia support are, and we hope this conversation leads to lasting improvements for everyone who relies on these services.

Free Carers’ ID Card Now Available

Carers Manchester has launched a new free digital Carers' ID Card for unpaid carers aged 18 and over who live in Manchester or care for someone living within the Manchester City Council area.

The card can help carers identify themselves when accessing services and organisations. It also provides access to a range of discounts through the Carers Card UK app and website, an online community of fellow carers, and helpful resources and information to support carers in their role.

If you're an unpaid carer and think you may be eligible, it's worth applying. If you previously had a Carers Manchester ID card, you should already have been contacted about transferring to the new scheme.

For more information or to apply, visit the Carers Manchester website or contact their team on 0161 834 6069 (ext. 1133) or email [email protected].

Planning for the Future – Share Your Views

Are you an unpaid carer living in Manchester? We'd love to hear your thoughts about planning for the future.

Together Dementia Support is working alongside Carers Manchester, Manchester Carers Forum and Lifecare to better understand what information and support carers need when thinking about future planning. Whether it's making legal arrangements, planning for changing care needs or knowing where to find support, your views will help shape future services and resources for carers.

Taking part is quick and easy. Simply complete the short survey online or get in touch if you'd prefer to speak to someone.

If you'd like to take part, click the link below or contact Paula at [email protected] or call 07763 565160 for more information.

Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming TDS Events

Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge

Date: Saturday 8 August 2026

Time: Meet at 8 am (8:30 am start), finishing around 6 pm

Location: Sett Valley Trail Car Park, Hayfield, SK22 2ES

Take on an unforgettable 33km guided trek across Derbyshire's three highest peaks – Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones – while raising vital funds for Together Dementia Support.

There is no sign-up fee, and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship. Experienced leaders from Tink Adventures will guide and support the group throughout the day.

We still have 6 places available, if you or someone you know, wants to join the team.

Dementia Cafes

Dementia Cafes are monthly informal meetings for carers of people living with dementia where they can socialise over a cup of tea. An Admiral Nurse, Dementia Support Advisor and TDS Dementia Support Co-ordinator will be present at the groups regularly to talk, listen and give advice & guidance.

Central Cafe - 1st Thursday Monthly -  Next date 6/8

Amani Centre, 144 Moss Ln E, Hulme, Manchester M16 7DG

1:30 - 3:30 pm

North Cafe - 4th Thursday Monthly -  Next Date 13/8

Higher Blackley Community Centre Victoria Ave, Manchester M9 0RA

11:45 - 2 pm

South Cafe - Last Weds Monthly -  Next date 26/8

St Andrews Community Centre, Brownley Road, Wythenshawe M22 0DW

1:30 - 3:30 pm

No need to book, just drop in!

TDS Legal Clinic

Make a free will or heavily discounted LPA at our next Legal Clinic, we just ask for a donation to TDS for the friendly and accessible service.

17 September

Zion Centre, 339 Stretford Rd, Hulme, Manchester M15 4ZY

Choir

Saturday 1 August

St Edmunds Church Hall, 16 Alexandra Road South Whalley Rane M16 8EZ

2 - 3:30 pm

Drop in with your loved one

Walk & Talk

Every Wednesday, 11 am at Alex Park, Whalley Range

Drop in with your loved one

Day Trip to Cleveleys for Carers

15 September leaves Amani centre 10:30 am

Dementia Inclusive Cricket, Old Trafford Cricket Ground

8 September

Recommendation: Helping Handle for Cars

If you support someone who finds getting in and out of a car difficult, a Helping Handle for Cars could be worth considering. This portable metal handle slots into the door latch when the car door is open, providing extra support and stability when sitting down or standing up.

They're widely available online and from retailers such as Halfords, with prices typically ranging from £5–£15.

This simple mobility aid could make car journeys easier and more comfortable for both the person living with dementia and their carer.