Hello

In this month’s newsletter…

1. Welcome message from CEO, Sally

2. October highlights

3. Double your impact this Christmas

4. Caring for someone with dementia

5. Our 1:1 services

6. Dates for your diary

7. What we’ve been Reading, Watching and Listening to:

Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally

What fun our members with dementia have been having!

It’s been party week this week, simply because it’s good to create special events requiring planning, preparation, invitations and extra fun.

At the Pyaari Yaadein group there was a Diwali themed party with traditional Indian dancing. Other groups chose different themes and activities.

 As the says shorten and the skies are greyer, I hope everyone can find something at home to bring comfort or somewhere to go to meet others and have good conversations.

 We are organising three meals for carers in the lead up to Christmas. We hope we can persuade each of you to join us (You’ll find details in the WhatsApp group)

The gorgeous Autumn leaves remind us to recognise that there is beauty even in ageing. “How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and colour are their last days” – John Greenleaf Whittier

Our October Highlights:

• A week of party preparation
  Our Occupational Therapist Carly lead a week of fantastic party themed activities at our groups.

• Supporter shout-out: Mark raises £400 for TDS! 🛵

  Volunteer Mark raised £400 at the vintage scooter rally on Guernsey. Thanks so much Mark!

Double Your Impact This Christmas🎄

This Christmas, Together Dementia Support is preparing something special to bring joy to people living with dementia and their carers across Manchester.

You can make an even bigger difference this festive season by asking your workplace to match fund your donation. Many employers have schemes that double (or even triple!) charitable gifts, helping us reach more people and create more uplifting moments.

By taking a few minutes to check with your HR or payroll team, your generosity could have twice the impact – bringing support to those who need it most.

Keep an eye on your inbox – we’ll be sharing our exciting Christmas campaign soon, launching on Giving Tuesday, 2nd December. Start the conversation with your employer now and get ready to make a difference!

If you'd like to get involved and support TDS, please email [email protected] 

Caring for Someone with Dementia: Key Tips from our Zoom Carers' Meeting

A group of TDS carers recently discussed the 'Contented Dementia' approach. Here are the main points:

Three Golden Rules:

1. Avoid direct questions – As dementia progresses, questions can be distressing. Instead, use objects, music, or photos to spark conversation. Offer visual choices ("this one or that one?") or make suggestions ("I'm thirsty. Shall we have a drink?").

2. Enter their reality – If someone believes they're in a different time or mistakes your identity, go along with it. Focus on what makes them feel secure rather than correcting them. Keep responses simple and consistent.

3. Don't contradict – Even when you're right, arguing causes distress. People with dementia can't consider alternatives easily. Instead, validate their feelings: "I'm sorry you're upset. Let me help find your clothes."

Remember: feelings matter most. Understanding the person's core values or the narrative of their life (like "I work hard" or "I'm good with money") helps you communicate positively, flattering t or distracting them with stories and ideas that resonate with them.

Take care of yourself too. It's exhausting to always respond positively. You need breaks, support from others, and space to share your experiences. Nobody can be the perfect caregiver alone.

 We recorded the meeting so that you can watch it at your leisure. 

Our 1:1 Services: Together Out & About and Together At Home 

Thanks to three years of funding from the Albert Gubay Foundation, we developed two brilliant projects supporting people with dementia:

 Together At Home pairs volunteers with people who can’t attend groups due to mobility or personal care needs. These visits have built wonderful friendships and given carers precious respite time.

 Together Out & About offered longer day trips with our Support Workers to places like garden centres, Bridgewater Hall, and Manchester Art Gallery, bringing joy, confidence, and lasting positive effects for both participants and carers.

Although funding has now ended for Together Out & About, we’re delighted that Together At Home will continue, managed by Jo and with Mary recruiting volunteers. If you know someone who’d like to volunteer, please get in touch!

 New alternative: Greater Manchester now funds Shared Lives Plus, a pilot offering weekly one-to-one activities. Contact: [email protected] or 0151 227 3499

Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming TDS Events

FREE Moving & Handling Training

Tuesday, 11 November 9:30 am - 1 pm

Amani Centre, Moss Lane East, M16 7DG

Carers Meal

Tuesday, 25 November 6pm

George & Dragon Heaton Moor

Central Dementia Cafe

Carers’ Christmas Meal

North Manchester Christmas Meal

Wednesday, 10 December 6 pm

The Woodthorpe in Prestwich

What we’ve been Reading, Watching and Listening to:

• Our CEO, Sally Ferris, shares her thoughts on The Riot Women, a powerful drama highlighting the struggles of midlife women juggling caregiving, work, and family. It’s a moving reflection of the real experiences faced by many families we support. Read Sally’s reflections.

  Click Here to Read Sally’s Article