Meeting Centre
Connecting & supporting people to live well with memory difficulties
Connecting and supporting people to live well with memory difficulties or dementia, enjoy activities, free refreshments and subsidised day trips.
What is a Meeting Centre?
A Meeting Centre offers ‘warm and friendly expert support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their families’. At its heart it is a social club where people meet to have fun, talk, share experiences but also gain emotional support, information and practical advice.
The Meeting Centre is one of over 20 Meeting Centres operating in the UK. The idea was originally birthed in the Netherlands, where research showed it is effective in supporting people at the early stage of living with dementia and their carers, helping people to cope well in adjusting to living with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings. There is good evidence both from Dutch and UK research* that people attending Meeting Centres experience better self-esteem, greater feelings of happiness and sense of belonging, than those who don’t attend. In addition, it showed that family carers who attend feel better able to cope and expressed they are an important way of feeling supported.
Why join the Meeting Centre?
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be life changing for both the person diagnosed but also their partner and family. Similarly, living with memory difficulties can lead to feelings of being isolated and alone, which can cause some people to shy away from social situations for fear that people will not understand or may be judgemental. The Meeting Centre promises to be a place where you can meet with people in a similar situation, where everyone is equal and where everyone is encouraged to take part. Every Wednesday the Meeting Centre opens its doors giving people a place to connect, make friends and have fun in a welcoming community setting.
There are a variety of activities and events to get involved in, most of which are instigated by what our members say they would like to do and enjoy most. Whether it's indoor bowls, memory enhancing word games, quizzes, a meal or outing, we aim to find something for everyone to get involved in.
Free tea, coffee and biscuits are provided throughout the day, giving plenty of chance to meet and catch up with people that have an understanding of what you are going through. Many people comment that it is the connection with others that makes the Meeting Centre so valuable and a highlight in their weekly schedule.
The Meeting Centre is now offering more flexible sessions.
This includes:
Full day sessions: 10am – 3pm. Cost: £20 per member (Carers attend for free)
Morning sessions: 10am – 12 noon . Cost £10 per member (Carers attend for free)
Afternoon sessions: 1pm – 3pm. Cost £10 per member (Carers attend for free)
Payment can be made upon attendance on the day or invoiced.
Part of the UK Meeting Centres Support Programme
The Meeting Centre is part of the UK Meeting Centres Support Programme overseen by the University of Worcestor's research and education centre, the Association for Dementia Studies. The Support Programme offers the oportunity to receive ongoing support and benefit from the knowledge and experience of established Meeting Centres, as well as access specific training and resources to our Meeting Centre Manager and team, so they are well-informed and trained to offer the best Meeting Centre experience as possible.
How do I join the Meeting Centre?
For more information and to book a place, please call our friendly team on 07955 442645 or email us at meetingcentre@ageukleics.org.uk
*University of Worcester, Association for Dementia Studies paper: What is a Meeting Centre? Helping to support people and families directly affected by dementia, January 2022
