In May this year we awarded funding to Engage TN22 Clubs. They are a charity based in Bexhill-on-Sea and their TN22 Plus club is especially tailored for people with memory loss,
They used the funds to pay for entertainment for their two clubs. These are the TN22 social lunch club and the TN22 Plus dementia club, which are delivered on alternate Wednesdays at Hadlow Down village hall. Around 25 members plus 8 staff/volunteers support the TN22 social lunch club and around 12 dementia members and 12 staff/volunteers support the TN22 Plus dementia club.
Some of the entertainment was laid on between May and August were acts such as a variety of singers. One was a nostalgic singer who got everyone up and singing and dancing. There was a Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance speaker and also a violinist.
The Plus dementia club also has themed sessions. The latest session had a theme of gardens and the club provided pots, plants and compost so that the members, with the help of the volunteers, planted up summer pots to take home. Another session was themed as Summer travels and one of their volunteers gave a slide-show and talk about her travels to India. Also, on offer were themed activities and crafts on geography and journeys.
The charity reported that the funding awarded from us was really helpful. Hadlow Down is in a rural village in the Wealden district, with minimal or no transport links, so the clubs are important to be maintained. It helps with general wellbeing, socialisation and companionship. Keeping the dementia members stimulated is vital as well as offering a much needed break for their carer/family member.