Hello

In this month’s newsletter…

1. Welcome message from our CEO, Sally

2. Our month highlights

3. Run, Walk or Roll for the Great Manchester Run

4. Carers Manchester celebration evening

5. A joyful night at Ceilidh for TDS

6. Dates for your diary

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

Welcome Message from our CEO, Sally

No matter what’s going on in the political world, March brings longer days and the first signs of Spring, something for which we’re all very grateful!

Some of you will be observing Ramadan or Lent, a time for greater reflection and compassion.  I hope we all might be more compassionate not only to others but also to ourselves.  I’ve come to realise that the apparently small things that carers achieve are worth acknowledging and celebrating  - helping someone to look smart, cooking a meal that was really enjoyed, making your relative smile or laugh, persuading them to come out with you.  You are doing more than you know!

I hope you can find something of help or interest in the newsletter this month. And, don’t forget that we’d love to share something that you’ve written: a piece about your feelings, some advice or something that you’ve found helpful.  We’ll all be very grateful to hear from you.

Last Month’s Highlights:

• TDS are Hiring!
  We are looking for a minibus driver to transport our members safely to and from Friendship & Activity Groups. Do you know anyone who might be interested?

  Find the Job Spec and apply here!

• Blackley Dementia Cafe
  In February, we partnered with Higher Blackley Community Centre to help run their Dementia Café! The Cafe takes place every second Thursday, between 12 - 2pm, and includes a hot meal. In March, the cafe will be held on the 12th and 26th, with TDS attending on 26th March.
  

• Group Themes
  February was a vibrant and busy month across all groups, filled with Winter Olympics activities, Valentine’s celebrations, pancake fun, Chinese New Year festivities, and preparations for Ramadan. With some early spring sunshine, Walk and Talk also enjoyed getting outdoors, making it a month full of energy, creativity, and connection.

Run, Walk or Roll for the Great Manchester Run!

We’re excited to offer places in the Great Manchester Run, taking place on 31^st 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 or join the TDS team of walkers…this is a brilliant way to challenge yourself and make a real difference. We would welcome some of our members with dementia to join us - even if they couldn’t walk the whole route, we’ll have a wheelchair on hand!

Carers Manchester Celebration Evening: Saturday 13th June

Nominations are now open for Carers Manchester Celebration Evening!

The event is happening on Saturday 13th June from 7pm, at The Sheridan. Attendees will enjoy a three-course meal, entertainment, and be recognised for their hard work and dedication.

Carers Manchester invite you to nominate a carer* to attend this special event (if you are a carer, you can nominate yourself!) using the online form below.

200 carers will then be randomly selected and awarded a free ticket. Selected carers will also be given the opportunity to purchase one discounted guest ticket for £25, and additional full-price tickets for £45 per person. 

NOMINATE A CARER (DEADLINE: 27TH MARCH)
 If you require assistance with the nomination form, please phone the admin team on 0161 834 6069 [ext. 1133] 

*A carer is someone who supports a relative, partner or friend due to their physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or addiction. Nominated carers must be aged 18

A Joyful Night, Ceilidh-ing for TDS!

What a fantastic night we had on 28 February at our Together Dementia Support ceilidh! The hall was full, the music was lively, and the dance floor was never empty.

Friends old and new came together to eat, laugh and (after a little encouragement!) throw themselves into the dancing. The caller kept us all on our toes, and even those who said they “don’t dance” were soon spinning, clapping!

Alongside the dancing, our raffle, silent auction, stalls and refreshments added to the fun – and we’re so grateful to everyone who donated prizes, baked cakes, ran stalls and helped set up and clear away. It truly was a team effort.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, we’re absolutely delighted to share that the evening raised a total of £2000 to support people living with dementia and their carers across Manchester.

A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteer Christine for organising such a brilliant event, to Chorlton Central Church for hosting, and to every single person who bought a ticket, made a donation, volunteered their time or simply brought their energy to the dance floor.

Dates for Your Diary:

• Central Manchester Dementia Café: Thursday 5th March, 1:30pm

  Amani Centre, Moss Side M16 7DG
  

• Eric & Ernie Theatre Trip: Wednesday 25th March, 1:30-2:30pm

  Join us at The Lowry for a dementia-friendly performance! Specially adapted for audiences living with dementia, this is a show for all the family – full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs, and sketches.

  Tickets available for carers only £7.50 and for carers taking their loved one along for £15.

  Book your tickets here!

• Wythenshawe Dementia Cafe: Wednesday 25th March, 1:30-3:30

And coming up in April:

• Carer’s Wellbeing Trip to RHS Bridgewater: Date TBC

• Black Families Caring for Elders with Dementia: Half meeting, half social, date TBC

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

•  How a blood test will soon be able to predict the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s dementia. This web article summarises research findings from the respected journal ‘Nature’.  It explains – and when symptoms are likely to start showing.

  Read the article here

• Transforming Mouth Care Challenges into Success

  This practical webinar gives lots of tips on how to provide mouthcare to your loved one.  This is particularly helpful if your relative doesn’t like having their teeth brushed, for instance.

  Watch the video here

• ‘Do I Sound Like I Care?’ 

  In this podcast former-carer, Louise Lynch, interviews a male carer, Andy, about the challenges of caring for his Mum.  It’s moving but also funny. 

  Listen to the podcast here