Dementia-friendly initiatives make everyday challenges like shopping and eating out less daunting and more enjoyable. This can make a hugely positive difference to people living with dementia and their families. Initiatives help people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community.
Hampshire is at the forefront of national work to develop dementia friendly communities. Dementia Friendly Hampshire is an independent charity that has created a network of dementia friendly businesses, high streets and Dementia Action Groups (DAGs) across the county. The charity works in partnership with the largest national charity for Dementia – the Alzheimer’s Society – who have a great presence in Hampshire, with support services and local hubs throughout the county.
DAGs are made up of people who have come together to make their communities more Dementia Friendly. To get involved in your local group, visit Dementia Friendly Hampshire and use the ‘In Your Area’ drop down DAG menu to find contact details and information.
Dementia-Friendly Shopping in Hampshire
Dementia friendly high streets have improved signage and public transport, making access easier to navigate for those living with the condition. Within stores, customer service is dementia friendly as staff are trained to support people who may struggle to pay or look for what they need.
Click on your nearest area below to find out more, and contact details for how to get involved:
Dementia-Friendly Cinemas in Hampshire
Nova Cinema in Woking, near the fringes of Hampshire in Surrey, have ‘relaxed cinema’ screenings – which provide an accessible cinema environment and screening experience suited to those living with dementia. By working with CareUK, they ensure that these screenings meet the needs of their guests. There are no ads, a lower volume and the lights are left on.
- Address: Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Dementia Cafés in Hampshire
A dementia cafe is a safe and welcoming space for those living with dementia, as well as their carers and families. It offers the chance to meet others, reminisce and chat about life experiences. There are a wealth of cafes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for you and your elderly relative to enjoy.
If you don’t find something convenient to you in our list, take a look at Dementia Support Hampshire & IoW‘s event listings. You’ll find no end of social opportunities and outings for those with dementia, including cafés.
Mind's Netley Court Memory Café, Southampton
In collaboration with Bursledon, Hamble and Hound Dementia Action Group, Andover Mind run a monthly Memory Cafe at Netley Court Care Home.
Andover Mind provides this opportunity as a free carer support and dementia advice service for unpaid carers, whilst enjoying some tea and cake.
- When? Second Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- Where? Netley Court Care Home, Victoria Road, Netley, Southampton, SO31 5DR
- Telephone: 01264 332297
- Visit Website
Caraway Memory Cafés, Southampton
Caraway’s Memory Cafés are a friendly and safe place to meet regularly with other families living with dementia, as well as somewhere to share and learn from your own and other’s experiences. There is no referral process, anyone with any memory difficulties is welcome.
Representatives from Southampton’s dementia services (Often this an admiral nurse or someone from Carers in Southampton, among others) are regularly on hand to answer your queries and help solve any potential issues you may be experiencing.
At the cafés there is an occasional speaker along with plenty of time to talk to other carers and volunteers. Of course, there will also be the opportunity for a cup of tea and some homemade cake.
Visit the website below or get in touch to see when and where the eight different cafés are running.
- Telephone: 07535 164014
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Winton House Memory Café, Petersfield
Winton House Centre run a memory café once a month from their Pop-in Tea Room, or in the garden when the weather permits! They welcome those living with dementia, their carers and their family members to enjoy hot drinks, cake and a quiz or other theme for the afternoon. You can use the details below to find more information about the memory café or get in touch.
- When? Third Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- Where? Winton House Memory Café, 18 High Street, Petersfield, GU32 3JL
- Telephone: 01730 266046
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Kim's Café, Denmead & Havant
Kim’s Cafés are local, easily accessible groups in Havant and Denmead. They meet monthly at both locations to enjoy fun and friendship over tea and homemade cakes.
Alongside providing peer support, the café is supported by Dementia Health and Wellbeing Coaches who work directly with GP practices in the Havant and Waterlooville Primary Care Network.
Denmead
- When? Second Wednesday of the month
- Where? All Saints Church, Hambledon Road, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 6NR
- Telephone: 07552 591447
- Email: [email protected]
Havant
- When? Third Thursday of the month
- Where? The Pallant Centre, St Faiths, Havant, PO9 1BE
- Telephone: 07552 591447
- Email: [email protected]
Alzheimer's Café, Isle of Wight
The Alzheimer Café organisation run six services across the Isle of Wight. These cafés have a supportive and friendly atmosphere for anyone whose lives have been affected by dementia.
East Cowes
- When? First Tuesday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Where? Town Hall, York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6RU
Ryde
- When? First Friday of the month, 11:00am - 1:00pm
- Where? All Saints' Hall, Queens Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF
Totland
- When? Third Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Where? St. Saviour's Holy Family Centre, Weston Lane, Totland, PO39 0HE
Sandown
- When? Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Where? The Broadway Centre, 1 Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9GG
Newport
- When? Last Wednesday of the month, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- Where? Newport Methodist Church, Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA
Cowes
- When? Second Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Where? Football Club, Reynolds Close, PO31 7NT
For more information on any of these services, you can visit the website or get in touch through the details provided below.
- Telephone: 01983 220200
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Dementia-Friendly Church Services in Hampshire
If faith is important to your relative, there are a wealth of churches across the county that identify as dementia-friendly. This means they can cater to the needs of people living with dementia, which includes pastoral care, church buildings and specialised services and activities.
Dementia Friendly Church Services are welcoming, shorter and informal, with large print booklets and traditional prayers and hymns for everyone to enjoy. Some churches have partnered with local schools who provide inter-generational support. Refreshments are sometimes served afterwards, providing the opportunity to meet other people living with dementia and their families.
Below is a list of dementia friendly services that have been certified by the Dementia Action Alliance. They have been listed by area of Hampshire and their Christian denomination. Click on your local church to be redirected to their website, giving more information and contact details.
