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October Newsletter
TDS Impact Report, The Together Trail and You Said We Did
Hello
In this month’s newsletter…
Welcome message from Sally
Our October Highlights
2024 - 2025 Impact Report
The Together Trail
You Said, We Did
Dates For Your Diary
What We’ve Been Reading, Watching & Listening To
Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally
The past month has been full of contrasts – from golden sunny days (a real gift!) to dark, rainy evenings that remind us summer has truly passed. Our work, too, has brought both joys and challenges.
A real highlight was our wonderful day in Wythenshawe Park for the Together Trail. We laughed, enjoyed the outdoors, and were inspired by your generosity and energy as donors and fundraisers. In September, we also proudly shared our new film: the first half is an animation about “Bob,” a fictional character living with dementia and struggling with loneliness. The second half shows Keith, one of our members, and the joy he finds through Together At Home and our groups.
On the downside, we’ve sadly had to close our “Together Out & About” service and raise the price for “Together At Home” as hoped-for funding hasn’t come through. We’ve also said goodbye to Laura, who has moved to a new role closer to home. We’ll miss her, but wish her every success.
Looking ahead, there’s lots to enjoy – Dementia Cafés, autumn walks in Alexandra Park, the big Dementia Disco on 1 November, and Christmas parties in December. And don’t forget our new Night Owls WhatsApp group – a safe, friendly space for anyone who might need a chat later in the evening or at night.
As always, please pick up the phone if you’d like to talk. We’re here for you.
Our October Highlights:
TDS Charity Christmas Cards Now On Sale!
Margaret Booth, Lived Experience Group Member and Carer Advocate, has written a blog about carers’ voices at the heart of change.
Our 2024 - 25 Impact Report Is Here!
We’re proud to share our brand new Impact Report, marking 10 years of Together Dementia Support – a whole decade of walking alongside people affected by dementia and helping them live well for longer.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just getting to know us, we invite you to explore the stories, achievements, and heart behind our work.
At a glance, this year we:
Supported 935 people – 422 living with dementia and 513 carers
Delivered 2,500+ group attendances across our regular sessions
Provided weekly transport to 80+ people
Logged 1,100+ volunteer attendances
Raised over £100,000 through three major fundraising events
Secured £588,000 in grants, including a multi-year award from the National Lottery
Continued to offer culturally tailored support through Pyaari Yaadein and Together At Home
“I don’t know of any other organisation that works with people living with dementia and carers like it.” – Family carer
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ve made the last 10 years count – here’s to the next 10.
The Together Trail: Walking For Memories Raising Over £6450!
On Saturday 13th September, we held our first-ever Together Trail sponsored walk in Wythenshawe Park. Despite the classic Manchester drizzle, spirits were high as supporters, staff, and volunteers came together to walk in honour of loved ones and raise vital funds.
We’re thrilled to share that the event has raised an incredible £6,450, and donations are still coming in!
The 2.2km route could be walked, rolled, or danced at your own pace. Some walkers even took on the challenge three-legged and dressed as clowns (well done Sally and Claire!). There were warm-ups, delicious cakes, calming hand massages, and our beautiful Memory Tree, where people left touching tributes.
Every participant received a Together Trail T-shirt and medal, with many proudly writing who they were walking for on their backs.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, or helped out on the day. Your support helps us continue providing life-changing support for people living with dementia and their carers across Manchester.
You Said, We Did:
We recently hosted a consultation of carers to hear their views on how we can better support them. We had a fabulous turn out and it once again made us very aware of the emotional toll caring can take.
We have some tangible things to put in place and work towards from what carers have shared with us:
We are adding an opt-in ‘night owls’ WhatsApp chat, as was pointed out, this can often feel a lonely time.
We are also adding a ‘carers recommendations’ broadcast group, this is where useful info that’s been shared in the WhatsApp group can be put, to save so much scrolling when trying to find that useful piece of advice.
We’re going to design some posters about dementia and the benefits of support and try and distribute these to GP surgeries.
When the café in the Kath Locke is open, we shall work with carers to set up an evening carers’ social. It was seen how beneficial something like this was from the consultation.
We are planning a staff training day, where professionals can come and learn from carers themselves.
We are in the process of organising some carers events aimed at male carers.
Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming TDS Events
Limited transport is available for the event, please get in touch with us directly.
Chorlton Music Cafe
Monday 13th October 1.30 pm - 3 pm
Chorlton Central Church, M21 8BF
People living with dementia and their carers welcome - no musical experience needed
To book, please email [email protected]
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