Our Work

Groups and Activities for people with Dementia

Please note that we are in the process of updating the information on groups and activities. If any of the information is inaccurate, please do let us know by emailing s.taylor@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk and we will do our best to update it. Thank you for your patience.

There are a number of groups in the area which can offer help and support for people living with Dementia and their carers.

Peer Support Groups

Forget Me Not Dementia Support Group -

A self help and support group for people with memory problems, their families and friends. The group is unique in meeting the needs both of the carer as well as the person living with Dementia.

There are two groups; one of which meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Kirkby Trinity Centre Point, on Diamond Avenue in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The sessions run from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm and provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for people living with Dementia and their carers. The centre is completely accessible with free parking.

The second group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at St John's Heritage Centre in Kirkby Woodhouse from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm offering the same friendly and supportive environment.

To find out more about these sessions please ring 07763 519 196 or 07751 006 107 or email forget-me-not.support@hotmail.co.uk

Memory Cafés

Willow Tree Memory Café -

The Willow Memory Café is held twice a month in The Discovery Room at Mill Waters Heritage Centre and Café, in Sutton in Ashfield. People with Dementia, and their family and carers can go on short walks around the beautiful Kingsmill Resevoir, do arts and crafts, or simply relax and socialise at this drop-in afternoon. It's held every second and fourth Wednesday of every month and you can drop in any time between 1pm and 3pm.

There is no need to book and activities are free. Food and drinks are available to purchase from Mill Waters Café. Please note car parking is free for the first hour and charges start at £1 for 2 hours. For more information, email millwaters@ashfield.gov.uk.

Carer Support Groups

The Carers Federation -

A monthly peer support group for carers (people living with Dementia are also welcome to attend the group). The Mansfield group is on the first Friday of the month from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm at the Friends Meeting House on Rosemary Street. The Ashfield Group is on the 2nd Monday of the month from 1:00 pm till 3:00 pm at the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre on Portland Street in Kirkby-in Ashfield. The groups offer a chance to meet other carers in a friendly and informal environment and includes the opportunity to enjoy activities, outings and informative presentations from guest speakers. To find out more about the sessions and to book your place, please contact the Carers Federation on 0808 802 1777 or email carershubinfo@carersfederation.co.uk.

Carers in Hucknall -

A peer support group welcoming both carers and the cared for from Hucknall and the surrounding area. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the John Godber Centre. The building is accessible and there is plenty of pay and display parking to the rear of the building, alternately there is street parking easily available in the area. The sessions are friendly, refreshments are provided and everyone is welcome. Please call Jim Radburn on 0115 953 0746 or email carersinhucknall@yahoo.co.uk.

Singing Groups for Adults Living with Dementia

Singing for the Brain -

This is a fun, informal, and friendly singing group for people living with dementia and their carers. Based around the principles of music therapy, the stimulating sessions include vocal warm-up and singing a wide variety of familiar and new songs. Singing for the Brain is held at Bridge Baptist Church, Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:30 am to 12 noon. For more information, please contact 07813 148373.

Forget Me Not Dementia Choir -

This group meets at the Trinity Centre Point in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The Centre is fully accessible and parking is free. For more information please ring 077635 19196 or 077510 06107.

Activities for People Living with Dementia

Mansfield Town’s Active Minds Group -

The aim of this group is to reduce social isolation with individuals aged 65+ who have an interest in football or sports; both watching or playing! This group is suitable for anyone who has an interest in sports as well as those with a Dementia diagnosis (along with their carers). This group is also suitable for those with Working Age Dementia and their families.

A small 50p donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments and parking is free. Sessions run every Friday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, although they do not run during school holidays. For more information, contact 01623 656920 or email michal.kasinowicz@mansfieldtownct.net.

Dementia Friendly Swimming Sessions

Inclusive Quiet Adult Swimming sessions run at the three Everyone Active leisure centres across Ashfield. These sessions are for adults to swim socially with no lanes, but are generally quieter and so may be more suitable for those living with a disability, dementia, neurodivergence and/or other long term health conditions. Please go to www.everyoneactive.com/centre to find the days and times at your local leisure centre.

Water Meadows in Mansfield offers Dementia Friendly swimming sessions in a relaxed and quiet environment in the Competition pool on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm. The Lifeguards and Reception staff are Dementia Friends trained. Please ring 0345 0000 232 for more information. Normal charges for swimming apply.

Dementia Friendly Film Screenings

Mansfield Library runs regular Dementia Friendly film screenings. The auditorium is on the second floor of the building with good lift access, but the seating is stepped. There are 6 wheelchair user tickets available. For more information email: ask@inspireculture.org.uk or ring 01623 677 200.

To download a copy of this information, click HERE.

Sarah Taylor

Ashfield Voluntary Action

01623 555 551

info@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk