Rosemary and Time supports those in our community living with dementia and their family carers. We run a variety of groups where everyone is supported, welcomed and encouraged to have fun. Our groups are a friendly, relaxed space to enjoy activities and share some supportive time to connect, unwind and just be yourself - no pressure, just fun!
A diagnosis of dementia, or any other condition, should not and does not define an individual. There is still so much more to be enjoyed in this new normal we call life, and that is what we aim to offer. We also encourage our members to recognise the genuine value they bring to society and just how much they have to offer.
We are not ignorant of the challenges that face those living with dementia nor their family carers. A new way of approaching anything from communication to expectations is hard to come to terms with, but by bringing people together who are going through the same kind of challenges helps to alleviate the isolation and bring shared learning. We concentrate on embracing life rather than focussing on the diagnosis, enabling our members to have some fun, build some great memories and just be husband and wife, mother and daughter again, with no other labels. Our members support each other and lighten the load with a good old laugh.
We have been part of the dementia community in our local area for 6 years now and have, over that time, increased our presence from one weekly group to 3 weekly groups and 3 other groups that meet regularly throughout each month. We have always been peer led and have used the input from our members to shape the content of our sessions. This has ensured that they are attractive and effective for all concerned. This is how we have developed from a gardening and small craft organisation to one delivering music in the form of singing and drumming, seated exercise, table top games, nature walks as well as gardening and craft activities, operating out of 3 locations in our local neighbourhood.
Rosemary and Time is here to make sure there are ample opportunities for people to be part of their local community, to spend valuable time together, with loved ones and new friends, and just enjoy themselves, it really is that simple.
