Launch of Trimley Memory Lane Dementia Support Group

Local home care company Home Instead have launched a new Dementia Support Group in Trimley for those with dementia and their carers. The launch was held on 21 October and the group will be held fortnightly on Friday mornings between 10am-noon at Trimley Memorial Hall, High Road, Felixstowe IP11 0RJ.

The ribbon was cut by Yvonne Smart, chair of the parish council, and Mayor of Felixstowe Sharon Harkin cut the cake with district councillor Mick Richardson. We had a number of organisations represented, including the Alzheimer’s Society, Suffolk Foundation and Healthwatch. We enjoyed lemon cake and non-alcoholic bubbles at the morning event, along with music from a local ukulele band who are always supportive. 

We wish to thank East Suffolk Council’s Boost Scheme, the Port Community Fund/Suffolk Community Foundation and Community Action Suffolk’s Restart Fund, all of which got the group up and running. We’d also like to thank The Brand Palace for designing our new logo. 

There is no cost for people to attend the group. The Memory Lane group in Felixstowe has been supported for many years by local businesses and individuals, and we hope there will be the same support and enthusiasm for this new group in Trimley. We rely on donations to keep the groups running. We have a Go Fund Me page for donations which can be found on our Facebook page, which the QR code below will take you to. Donations can also be sent to Memory Lane C/O Home Instead. Follow our Facebook page for updates on group activities.

Wendy Chard, Head of Community Engagement for Home Instead, says: “I am really looking forward to working with local families to support their loved ones. At Home Instead we understand how challenging some days can be and it is our passion to support those in the community to live well with dementia. We will be providing information and support for people with dementia and their carers in an informal way, with a cup of tea and a biscuit, and health professionals will be available to signpost people to services and resources.”

The Trimley and the Felixstowe groups are seeking volunteers to help run them. If you would like to support your community by volunteering, please call Wendy: 01473 272301