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February Newsletter
Hello
In this month’s newsletter…
Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally
Our January Highlights
Hospital at Home: A Carer’s Perspective
Home, Hearts and Connection: East Manchester Art Project
The Great Bunny Hop 2026 - Registration now open!
Run, Walk or Roll for TDS in the Great Manchester Run!
Direct Payments in Manchester
Dates for Your Diary
What We’ve Been Reading, Watching and Listening to
Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally
Hooray! Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve made it through January! Generally speaking it’s a tough month, practically, emotionally and physically. But it’s just about to be February, a short month, and then we’ll start to see the signs of Spring in March. On my sunny lunchtime walk today I was cheered up by snowdrops growing out of grass. Do take a moment to acknowledge anything positive that you experience.
In the world of dementia there are some hopeful things out there: a draft Carers’ Strategy from Manchester City Council (with ideas of how to give carers more breaks); the possibility of Dementia Hubs in Manchester; easier ways of diagnosing dementia earlier; new research into the link between menopause and Alzheimer’s; and new ambitions and ideas about how TDS would like to grow our services.
And have you got any resolutions for 2026? For most of you who are carers, it must surely be to find some time for yourself. However, if you are a former carer or supporter, do you have any spare time to volunteer for us – either monthly or weekly? We are particularly short of volunteers at our Dementia Cafes and at our weekly Friendship & Activity Group in north Manchester.
Please also look at the dates for your diary at this newsletter. We always love to see you at any of these events!
Our January Highlights:
 Co-Design Workshop |  Afternoon Tea |
Our Fab Forgetful Friends group took part in the first BRIDGES Co-Design Workshop, kicking off an exciting collaboration with the University of Sheffield to explore how technology can better support independent living for people affected by dementia. The FFF members have selected some pieces of dementia-friendly equipment that they’re excited to try out at home. You can explore the full range of equipment here:
We’re incredibly grateful to our corporate supporter Capsticks Solicitors LLP for treating 22 of our carers and volunteers to a wonderful afternoon tea at King Street Townhouse, creating a much-needed moment to relax, connect and feel appreciated. Gestures like this recognise just how vital carers are, and one attendee described it as “a break away from the difficulties life throws at us when caring for a loved one.”
Hospital at Home: A Carer’s Perspective
Michelle and her Mum, Elveta
Written by TDS carer, Michelle
“Hospital at Home was fantastic for my mum!
My mum, 86, was recently admitted to hospital for a blood and iron transfusion. Normally, she would have needed to stay in hospital, but a consultant set up the Hospital at Home service, allowing her to receive the same care and monitoring in the comfort of her own home.
We could contact the team anytime between 8am and 10pm, and we were visited by doctors, nurses, therapists, and social care staff. Once you’re under this service, the team becomes your main point of contact and coordinates with all other health departments and the GP.
My mum received 1:1 care, and as a family, we also had quality time to ask questions and gain a broader understanding of her health. It was reassuring, supportive, and made a real difference to our experience.”
Home, Hearts and Connection: East Manchester Art Project
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What do you think of when you hear the word ‘home’? Do you think of your childhood? Do you think of people, or bricks and mortar? Do you think of the home you came from, or the one you have built for yourself?
Last year, we were generously awarded funding from One Manchester – the largest social housing provider in Manchester - to run a 4 week art project with our East Manchester Group in Autumn, exploring what home means to our members through discussion, stories and abstract art.
We worked with local artist and facilitator (and TDS Carer) Michelle Ayavoro, who guided the group in finding inspiration in the things that make home special to them – whether it’s a cherished possession, item of furniture, person or pet – which became incorporated into everybody’s individual piece through the screen printing technique.
Those individual pieces have now been expertly sewn together by Michelle into one big, bright and beautiful banner capturing everyone’s expressions of home. It was really special to see the group try something so new, and connect over ideas and stories, and to see members surprise themselves with their own artistic abilities.
Thank you to One Manchester for enabling this, and to Michelle for her skills, time and passion!
The Great Bunny Hop 2026 - Registration New Open!
We’re delighted to announce that registration is now open for The Great Bunny Hop 2026, our fun and flexible Easter fundraiser for schools and nurseries across Manchester, taking place throughout March 2026.
The Great Bunny Hop is a sponsored activity designed especially for early years and primary settings. Children can hop, walk, run or roll around a safe space in a way that works for them and their setting. Schools and nurseries choose when and how to take part, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.
By taking part, schools help us continue providing vital support to people living with dementia and their carers across Manchester. As a small local charity, community support like this makes a real difference.
How you can help:
If you have a connection to a local school or nursery - perhaps as a parent, grandparent, carer or friend - we’d be incredibly grateful if you could share this opportunity with them.
Thank you for helping us spread the word and support families affected by dementia 🐇✨
Run, Walk or Roll for TDS in the Great Manchester Run!
We’re excited to offer places in the Great Manchester Run, taking place on 31st May 2026, in support of Together Dementia Support – but they’re limited and going fast!
10K: 30 charity places available
Half Marathon: Only 1 place remaining
All places are first-come, first-served.
We cover the cost of your race entry and official running/walking vest. In return, participants agree to raise a minimum of £150 for the 10K or £250 for the half-marathon, helping us continue our vital work supporting people living with dementia and their families.
Whether you choose to run, walk or roll, this is a brilliant way to challenge yourself and make a real difference.
Direct Payments in Manchester
Recently, TDS staff and carers joined a Zoom session to learn more about Direct Payments (DPs) and how managing a cash budget could give families more choice and flexibility when arranging care. We were joined by Debbie and Sonia from Manchester’s Direct Payments team, whose commitment to supporting families was clear throughout. They reassured carers that help is available at every stage, from setting up a DP to recruiting carers and problem-solving along the way.
To access a Direct Payment, the person with dementia must first have a Care Needs Assessment. If their needs meet the threshold for council-funded care, families can choose a Direct Payment instead of a council-arranged care package. A Fairer Charging Assessment then confirms how much the person needs to contribute, with both contributions paid into a dedicated account.
Families can use a DP to employ a Personal Assistant directly or purchase care from an agency, with the DP team offering support with recruitment, payroll and finding suitable providers. In some cases, friends or family members may be paid carers if everything is set up correctly.
We know of TDS families who have found Direct Payments life-changing, providing peace of mind and consistent support. Direct Payments can also cover day care or 1:1 social support. Speak to us at TDS if you’d like advice or more information.
What we’ve been Reading, Watching and Listening to:
‘Why Dementia Makes Communication Difficult: A Guide to Better Outcomes’ book by Alison Wray
Do I sound Like I Care? Louise Lynch
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