Your July Newsletter (1)

July 04, 2025

Hello reader

In July's issue

Welcome Message from Sally

It’s a 5-set match.  The men’s matches at Wimbledon can go on for hours and you wonder how they’ve got the stamina to keep on playing, especially when you believe one of them is very likely to lose.  Why not just throw in the towel! But sometimes the underdog upsets the expected storyline and their perseverance pays off.  Is this a metaphor for us, the TDS community?  Certainly those of you who are unpaid carers have to play a long match.

And for charities like ours, and indeed for everyone who works in this field, we keep watching and waiting for the services that you all need and deserve.  Campaigners are pleased to see that dementia is at least referred to in the Government’s new 10 year NHS plan.  The idea of more neighbourhood wellbeing centres, where a range of health services will be easily available, sounds positive.  And we know that Manchester is planning its first Live Well Centre, to be located in Harpurhey.  Perhaps there will be a Dementia Hub there too.

In the meantime, we’ve been cheered by some fabulous fundraising efforts by staff, volunteers, carers and other supporters.  One former carer, Vicky, is doing a Wing Walk (fixed to a small aeroplane!!!)

For those of you who need a mini break from caring, do look out for the spa sessions that we’ll be advertising soon, the relaxation and creative writing session at Sale Waterside next Saturday, and the minibus trip out at the end of August – or just give us a ring at the office and one of the staff will take you out for a coffee or a walk.  Take care of yourselves everyone!

Sally Ferris, CEO

Sally, CEO

Together Dementia Support

Carers’ Week 2025

This annual week, focussing on the heroic work of unpaid carers and campaigning for a better deal, took place 9-15 June.

Cathy Cameron, who cares for her sister-in-law, wrote a number of letters to Manchester local councillors, asking for more support for carers and carers’ organisations such as TDS.  Each of them responded and said that they will be mindful of carers’ issues and giving support where they can.

The Carers Manchester Network (of which we are a member) put on some events for carers.  They were well attended and much appreciated.

Here’s what carer, Aureen, who attended three events, said: 

 Pampering… I just wanted to share how truly beautiful my time at the pampering was. The whole experience had such a gentle, calming atmosphere - there was a deep sense of peace that made it easy to relax and just be. It felt like stepping into a slower rhythm, one that allowed space for stillness, presence and quiet connection. then i had to come back to reality. MUSIC..... the drumming had a grounding, almost meditative quality - it created a rhythm that brought everyone together in such a natural and peaceful way. and when the guitar joined in, it added a lovely soothing layer that blended so beautifully with the drums. it was such a pleasure just to listen and be part of it. one of the most joyful parts for me was when we started putting words together and created a song as a group. there was something really magical in that process - playful, creative and full of heart. it brought such a warm sense of togetherness and i'll hold that memory close for a long time. The people who organised it all (pampering and drumming) truly created something special. it was clear how much care and intention went into everything and I’m so grateful for the space they made - a space to reconnect, to share and to simply enjoy being human among others. Thank you for such a joyful experience.

 

Dave’s Legacy - Hospital Care - Meeting This Monday

All are welcome to share experiences and learn about what is poor and good hospital practice.  Contact Beth to let her know if you’re coming or just turn up.

The Carer’s Afternoon

Taking place at Sale Waterside, Saturday 12 July – join TDS staff for a relaxing, therapeutic afternoon  looking at Jenny Harris’ exhibition (The Long Goodbye) and reflecting, creatively, on your caring relationship, the things to celebrate and the things that are difficult.  You’ll be surprised about what you might write and you’ll leave feeling brighter!  Sale Waterside is right next to the Sale tram stop but let us know if you need a lift.

Carers’ Moving & Handling Session

Carers moving & Handling takes place 9 July at Oaklands all welcome please book on as per poster.

Carer’s Training

Paula and Jo will be running a 4 -session training course for carers, probably starting in September.  This course will be face-face and a nice chance to get to know some other carers really well.  The sessions cover – a deep understanding of what dementia is and how it changes the individual; decisions to make and services available as dementia progresses; financial and legal issues: looking after yourself  and finding some joy.  If you’d like to attend the training, please get in touch with Paula: [email protected] or ring the office

Carer’s Spa Session

Watch this space for details of the forthcoming FREE carer spa sessions at the Marriot Hotel in Worsley.  Thanks to some grant funding we hope to offer two sessions, enabling more carers to go.  Get in touch with Paula to indicate your interest

Minibus Trip For Members living With Dementia & Their Relative

7 We won’t be running any groups the week of the August Bank Holiday.  Sadly we don’t have the funds to put on a big coach trip but, instead, we will run a day trip that week, using our two minibuses.  It’s likely that we’ll go to the coast at Lytham St Anne’s or Blackpool.  More details will follow as soon as Jo has finalised the plan.

🌟 June Fundraising Highlights 

8 We’re delighted to share an exciting update from a very successful June! 

🏊 Great North Swim

Our swimmers made a splash and raised an incredible £2,934! A huge thank you to everyone who cheered them on, donated, or took part in this challenge!

🧗 Trafford Centre Abseil

Our courageous abseilers took to new heights, raising over £1,000. We’re so grateful to each person who conquered their fear as a member of Team TDS.

🎉 MC Construction 80s Fundraising Night

Our Senior Business Support Officer, Julie, and Service Delivery Manager, Claire, danced the night away alongside MC Construction’s team at their lively 80s-themed event. We’re thrilled to announce that 50% of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Together Dementia Support, final figures to follow soon. 

🌳 Save the Date: The Together Trail

Saturday 13th September | 11 am | Wythenshawe Park

We’re launching a brand-new community walk, and we want you to join us! 

  • 🎽 Target £100 sponsorship per participant

  • 👕 Includes free t‑shirt and finishing medal

  • ➿ Short, accessible route and walkers can repeat the loop for extra steps & extra fundraising fun if they'd like to

  • 🎶 Entertainment, stalls, and community atmosphere

Registration will be LIVE VERY SOON on our website, but for now, please SAVE THE DATE and spread the word!

How You Can Help:

  • Share our success stories and photos across social media

  • Register soon for The Together Trail and set up your fundraising page

  • Invite others to take part - more walkers, more awareness, more impact!

Thank you for being part of our Together Dementia Support family. Your support, energy, and commitment help us bring essential services to those affected by dementia in Manchester, and we couldn’t do it without you.

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