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September Newsletter
Hello
In this month’s newsletter…
Welcome message from Sally.
Our August Highlights
Carer’s Spa Day
Live More Shared Lives In Greater Manchester
The Together Trail
Dates For Your Diary
What We’ve Been Reading, Watching and Listening to
Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally
As I write this introduction, it’s the first day of Autumn and the beginning of school and college terms. I like the fact that, in the UK, we have seasons as it encourages us to stop, take note and do different things – and each season, in nature, brings its own beauty.
We saved our TDS trips to the very end of August and were lucky with the weather. Even the staff had a Wellbeing Afternoon last week, undertaking outdoor activities at Sale Water Park!
There are lots of new things happening in September and October – a new Dementia Café for central Manchester, a new Music Café in Chorlton, and some carer training sessions, on Zoom or in person.
We’re very excited about our fundraiser, the Together Trail, on Saturday 13 September. It should be a lovely social gathering in Wythenshawe Park, with people to chat to, music, refreshments and, of course, our star fundraisers walking the trail – once, twice or however many times they want! One carer has already raised a staggering £600 so please do come to cheer the walkers on, or sponsor one of them (details below).
Whatever you do, try to get out and meet up with someone or come to one of our groups or cafes. We’ll be delighted to see you. If you really can’t get out, give us a call and one of our Dementia Support Co-ordinators will come and have a brew and chat with you at home instead.
Our August Highlights:
 North Manchester Group Open Day |  PY Group on way to Blackpool |
North Manchester Group Open Day
On Friday 22nd August, we held a successful ‘Carnival’ themed open day at our North Manchester Friendship & Activity Group in Crumpsall, welcoming both regular members and those on our waiting list. The day was filled with fun activities, singing, and fruit kebab making, and now 14 people attend the group each week. A few places are still available. Please send us your referral if you think your loved one could benefit, and Laura will be happy to discuss how we can support you.
Blackpool Trip
The Pyaari Yaadein group enjoyed a joyful and much-anticipated trip to Blackpool in August, filled with seaside views, fish and chips, and birthday celebrations. Carers joined in the fun, sharing how special it was to spend the day with their loved ones. The group also dedicated the trip to former driver Asif Malik, fondly remembering the warmth he brought to every journey.
Carers’ Spa Afternoon
Carers at Shrigley Hall
Last week, our fabulous Carer Support Co-ordinator, Paula, took 11 carers to Shrigley Hall for a much-needed day of rest and relaxation. The trip began with a delicious lunch in the restaurant, followed by time to unwind in the spa – including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The outdoor infinity pool, with views stretching out to Manchester, was a real highlight.
One carer shared, “a weight has been lifted for a few hours,” while another said, “it’s been great to know none of us are alone on this journey.” The group formed meaningful new connections, offering each other support and understanding from shared experience.
It was a wonderful opportunity to step away from daily pressures, meet face-to-face, and put WhatsApp names to real people.
We’re hoping to run another evening spa trip soon to include working carers – watch this space!
Live More Shared Lives In Greater Manchester:
Did you know that local councils across Greater Manchester have secured funding to trial a new one-to-one support service for people living with early-stage dementia?
As part of the pilot, individuals will be matched with a Shared Lives worker, and they’ll spend a couple of hours together each week. This might involve going out for a walk, enjoying a coffee somewhere, or spending time doing activities in the worker’s home.
If you think your relative might benefit from this six-month pilot, you can find out more and sign up here:
https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/live-more-manchester
If you're unable to sign up online, feel free to get in touch and we’ll help you make the referral.
There’s no cost to take part, as the service is fully funded by a grant. We're hopeful that if it goes well, it may continue beyond the pilot.
As many of you know, our own grant funding for one-to-one services like Together at Home and Together Out & About is coming to an end. We’re actively seeking new funding so we can keep offering these much-needed services at an affordable rate.
We’re incredibly grateful to our Together at Home volunteers who give their time so generously. That said, this kind of support still requires coordination and proper supervision, and we know how valuable it is for the people we work with.
The Together Trail Is Less Than 2 Weeks Away!
Who Will you Walk For?
There are still a few places left for you to join us on Saturday, 13th September at Wythenshawe Park for our first-ever sponsored walk supporting people living with dementia and their carers across Manchester!
2.2km accessible loop
Live acoustic music
Refreshments
Memory tree to write a message to someone special
Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming TDS Events
New Dementia Cafe
Carer training will be taking place at the cafe on Thursday 4 September & Thursday 2 October Amani Centre, Moss Side
Email Beth to book your place: [email protected]
New Music Cafe
Monday 13 October at Chorlton Central Church M21 8BF 1.30 pm - 3pm
Email Vicky to book your place: [email protected]
What we’ve been Reading, Watching and Listening to:
BBC World Service: The Food Chain https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct70yv
In July, a BBC journalist reached out to our CEO, Sally, to ask if any of our service users or carers would be willing to take part in a radio programme about food and dementia.
We were delighted to connect them with TDS carer Amy Lambert, her dad Alan, and long-time member Ron Marshall, who all shared their experiences for the broadcast. We’re proud to see our community represented and raising awareness of the everyday realities of living with and caring for someone with dementia.
Alan and Amy
Contented Dementia
Some of you have been reading Contented Dementia, a book that explores a unique approach to supporting someone with dementia by validating their reality and helping them feel safe and secure.
Join Beth, Sally, and other members of the TDS team for a friendly Zoom conversation about the Contented Dementia approach:
Tuesday 30 September 7 pm – 8 pmEveryone is welcome, whether you’ve read the book or are just curious to learn more.
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