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Issue 08 | 2025The quarterly magazine fromLove your Heart - Boost your BrainExploring Heart Health as part of our latest campaignWhat is dementia?We discuss symptoms, causes and treatmentsLiving well with dementiaExercise and well-being for people with dementiaSupport and AdviceAdvice and details about our support groupsFundraising NewsEvent and fundraising newsActivitiesListings of all our dementia friendly activitiesThe Meeting Place ProjectHelping people with mild dementia to stay active in their communitiesEducationFind out more about dementia
Avenue ofAvenue ofVolcanoes Volcanoes Join Dementia Jersey’s epicScan the QR code for more informationwww.dementia.jeTake on this epic trek to help support people living with dementiaTrek in EcuadorTrek in EcuadorWith the option of an extension trip to the Galapagos Islands!15th – 23rd November 2025
Welcome to the eighth issue ofWe hope you’ve spotted our Boost your Brain campaign and if you haven’t already completed the online quiz, then please do. It’s a great way to learn what you can do to prevent demena or delay the onset of symptoms. By sharing your email at the end of the quiz you’ll also receive a weekly brain health email. Amazingly we’ve had 3,810 people complete the quiz (as at mid-March) and as a result a huge 92% have made lifestyle changes to reduce their risk, which is a fantasc result.We’ve also been in the media recently with the JEP’s Dignity in Demena campaign which aims to shine a spotlight on some of the challenges faced by families and move the dial on problems like the quality and availability of care for people with demena. It’s been a very welcome campaign and hopefully will succeed in raising awareness of demena and geng the right people talking about what can be done to help. Finally let me extend a warm welcome to our newest trustee – Kevin Keen OBE. Kevin brings a wealth of business experse and also charity involvement (as former Chair of the Associaon of Jersey Charies) and we all look forward to seeing how someone so well connected can hopefully raise the prole of Demena Jersey even further.Claudine SnapeCEO – Demena Jersey Dementia Jersey, 74 Halke Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4WHTelephone: 01534 723519Email: info@dementia.jeHours: 10:00 - 16:00 Monday to Fridaywww.dementia.jePublished byDid you Did you know?know?It costs over £820,000 each year to fund the services of Demena Jersey, almost all of which is supported by fundraising.3ContentsPage 6Love your Heart - Boost your BrainPage 10Abseil for DemenaPage 12What is dementia?Page 16Living well with dementiaPage 18Fundraising NewsPage 24Getting to know - Paul EllisPage 26Activity Spotlight - Coee and ConnectPage 28Activity ListingsPage 33Event Spotlight - SplashchatPage 34Carers Support GroupsPage 39Dementia EducaonPage 40The Meeting Place ProjectPage 42Lived Experience Advisory NetworkPage 44Volunteer Spotlight - Adrian EllisPage 46Book ClubPage 47Consumer Corner
Boost your Brain!What is dementia?Activity Listings Volunteer SpotlightGetting to knowEvent Spotlight - SplashchatLiving well with dementiaExploring Heart Health as part of our latest campaign. Up to 45% of cases of demena could be prevented by taking steps in earlier life. Find out more on Page 6.Demena Jersey oers a range of regular acvies for people living with demena and their carers. Find out more on Page 28.Adrian Ellis uses volunteering hours his employer, Government of Jersey, to support Demena Jersey.Find out more on Page 44.In this issue meet Paul Ellis who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the summer of 2023.Find out more on Page 24.In January 2025 we celebrated a decade of our swimming acvity Splashchat, which has been providing a vital social and therapeuc swimming experience for people living with dementia. Find out more on Page 33.Exercise: Physical acvity plays a crucial role in the well-being of people with demena. Engaging in regular exercise can help maintain physical health, which is essenal for overall quality of life. Find out more on Page 16.In this issueThe word ‘demena’ describes a set of symptoms that over me can aect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of demena. Find out more on Page 12.5
66Up to 45% of cases of demena could be prevented by taking steps in earlier life – an important message we are sharing via our Boost Your Brain campaign! Based on the latest demena research, the campaign focuses on three areas: ‘Love your Heart, ‘Stay Sharp’ and ‘Keep Connected. Love Your Heart Love Your Heart Boost Your Brain!Boost Your Brain!Exploring Heart Health as part of our latest campaignMany of us know it’s important to look aer our hearts but few people realise that the same things can help keep our brains in shape, too. Regularly challenging your brain can help protect it as you ageThe latest research suggests that social contact in any form has a benecial eect in reducing demena risk.
7Current research shows a complex interplay between several factors that can lead to demena. These include issues linked with age, genes, gender, environment and lifestyle. While we do know some risks exist, we don’t know them all – and we don’t yet fully understand the ones we have idened. However, research is happening all the me and some areas have clear evidence to show that it’s worth considering lifestyle changes to reduce demena risk. But, because there are some things we just cannot change (like our genes or biological sex) not all demenas can be prevented. And it is important that we are careful not to blame ourselves or others if we or they have demena. We know people can sll get demena even if they do everything ‘right’. Considering how you can ‘Boost Your Brain’ is about risk reducon and symptom delay, not about denite prevenon.The fourteen known risk factors that increase our chances of developing demena are:1. Untreated Vision Loss 2. Hearing Loss3. Social Isolaon4. Depression5. Air Polluon6. Quality of Educaon 7. Head Injury8. Obesity9. Heavy Alcohol Use10. High Blood Pressure11. Smoking12. Physical Inacvity13. Diabetes14. High Cholesterol.The last seven of these have a lot of inter-connecvies and can loosely be grouped as the need to ‘Love Your Heart’!Why ‘Heart Health’? *Looking aer our heart means adopng a healthy diet, maintaining safe levels of alcohol consumpon, giving up smoking and moving more. This is partly because our blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to our brain cells, allowing them to work properly; and anything that reduces our heart health or interferes with the blood supply to our brain has a negave impact.Smoking and AlcoholBoth smoking and drinking alcohol above safe limits increase the chance that you may have a stroke, or ‘mini strokes’. Did you know that these, in turn, increase your risk of demena? There’s also signicant evidence that long-term, heavy alcohol consumpon can have negave eects on brain health in other ways.But the current evidence is that you don’t have to give up drinking alcohol altogether – just keep it within healthy levels. That means drinking no more 14 units a week, avoiding Boost Your BrainWhy ‘Boost Your Brain’?Why ‘Boost Your Brain’?In this edion of Demena Maers, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the link between heart health and brain health.*Consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise regime.
Find out more by calling 01534 723519 or go to www.demena.je/boostyourbrainChallenge your brain!Stay Close, Stay StrongMove, Nourish, Thrive!Keeping the mind, and therefore the brain, acve is important for brain health and reducing the risk of developing demena.Social acvity may help prevent or delay demena by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and providing mental smulaon.One of the main messages from our Boost Your brain campaign is what’s good for your heart is good for your brain.Take our Big Brain QuizScan this QR codeto take the quizReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaUp to 45% of cases can be avoidedto help reduce your risk8Boost Your Brainbinge drinking and trying to ensure you have some alcohol-free days every week. On the other hand, the advice about smoking is to abstain altogether. In fact, quing smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve heart and brain health. Smoking reduces blood ow and damages blood vessels, increases cholesterol, increases blood pressure and is believed to increase the speed at which we lose brain cells. It can be a true challenge to give up smoking once you have started and we know this is not an easy step for all of us, but luckily there is support available on island. Check out the Help2Quit service – all the informaon is available on Gov.Je or visit your GP for advice. DietThe relaonship between diet and demena is complicated. Research has shown that some physical condions linked to diet (such as high LDL cholesterol or unregulated type 2 diabetes) increase our chances of developing demena.While we all need some fat and sugar in our diet, we also know too much of either will impact on us negavely. Luckily, a few simple changes can help. Some studies have linked what is known as the ‘Mediterranean’ diet to a lower risk of demena. This means a diet high in fruit, vegetables, cereals, nuts and healthy fats. Unfortunately, there is no ‘super food’ that has been shown to prevent demena.The main message is to enjoy a varied diet without too much fat and sugar and with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables – and try to keep your weight in check, too.Keep MovingAlzheimer’s Research UK tells us that “If everyone were physically acve, there’d be two fewer cases of demena for every 100 people who develop it now”. This is because moving more helps to tackle all the risks we have already discussed such as being over-weight or having blood pressure issues.Not all of us are fully mobile and some of us will be daunted by the idea of exercise. It’s important to remember that any exercise undertaken should be manageable within your own physical capabilies, skills and tness levels – and sustainable. The best ways to help establish a healthy habit are to choose something that you can realiscally maintain and that you nd fun. For example:Dancing: whether in the kitchen or at an event, dancing has great physical benets and is lots of fun! Pilates: strengthens core muscles, enhances posture and promotes body awareness. Walking: while we oen hear the mantra that we should aim for 10,000 steps a day, the latest research suggests that a minimum of 4,000 could be enough to make a dierence if we are consistent. Our main message is that small steps can make a big dierence. Invesng in your heart health now, means your brain could benet later!Want to know more? Want to know more? Take our Brain Health Quiz to see how you could reduce your demena risk! Scan the QR code on following pageBoost your Brain has the support of Public Health and s based on a campaign by Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Find out more by calling 01534 723519 or go to www.demena.je/boostyourbrainChallenge your brain!Stay Close, Stay StrongMove, Nourish, Thrive!Keeping the mind, and therefore the brain, acve is important for brain health and reducing the risk of developing demena.Social acvity may help prevent or delay demena by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and providing mental smulaon.One of the main messages from our Boost Your brain campaign is what’s good for your heart is good for your brain.Take our Big Brain QuizScan this QR codeto take the quizReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaReduce your risk of dementiaUp to 45% of cases can be avoidedto help reduce your risk
Sign up today!Scan the QR code for more information and to sign up.AbseilAbseilJoin our epicAbseil down the rock-face at St Catherine’s and raise vital funds for Demena Jersey whilst enjoying epic views.Registration fee: £25 (includes training session)Minimum fundraising target: £100To find out more and to register visit www.dementia.je/Abseil2025Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025at St Catherine’sAll money raised will go towards supporng people in Jersey living with demena and will help us move closer to our mission of making Jersey a demena friendly island.ChallengeChallenge
Sign up today!Scan the QR code for more information and to sign up.AbseilAbseilJoin our epicAbseil down the rock-face at St Catherine’s and raise vital funds for Demena Jersey whilst enjoying epic views.Registration fee: £25 (includes training session)Minimum fundraising target: £100To find out more and to register visit www.dementia.je/Abseil2025Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025at St Catherine’sAll money raised will go towards supporng people in Jersey living with demena and will help us move closer to our mission of making Jersey a demena friendly island.ChallengeChallenge11Are you brave enough to take on our Are you brave enough to take on our abseil fundraising challenge in June?abseil fundraising challenge in June?Our abseil last year saw 40 daredevils abseil down Val de la Mare dam, raising over £12,000! By taking part in challenges like this, you are helping to raise awareness and funds that will make a huge dierence in the lives of people in Jersey aected by demena.Join us on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025 at St Catherine’s and be part of something that will truly make a dierence! For more informaon, visit www.demena.je/abseil2025 or scan the QR code on the previous page.If you have any quesons about this event, please email nadine@demena.je or call 01534 723519.Abseil Challenge 2025
What is What is dementia?dementia?Symptoms, causes and treatmentsSymptoms, causes and treatmentsThe word ‘demena’ describes a set of symptoms that over me can aect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of demena.About demenaDemena is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by dierent diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over me and include:• memory loss• confusion and needing help with daily tasks• problems with language and understanding • changes in behaviour.Demena is progressive, which means symptoms may be relavely mild at rst, but they get worse over me. There are many types of demena but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. The next most common is vascular demena. What causes demena?Demena is not a natural part of aging. It is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain.Nerve cells carry messages between dierent parts of the brain and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly. 12
What is dementia?Demena can be caused by many dierent diseases. These diseases aect the brain in dierent ways, resulng in dierent types of demena. Types of demenaAround 19 out of 20 people with demena have one of four main types. Demena aects everyone dierently, however each type has some common early symptoms. A person may also have mixed demena where they have symptoms of more than one type.Alzheimer’s diseaseAlzheimer’s disease is the most common type of demena. For most people, the rst signs of Alzheimer’s is problems with their memory, thinking, language or percepon. Vascular dementiaVascular demena is the second most common type of demena. Common early signs of vascular demena include problems with planning or organising, making decisions or solving problems. Dementia with Lewy bodiesDemena with Lewy bodies (DLB) is caused by Lewy body disease. Symptoms of DLB include having dicules staying focused, experiencing delusions and problems with movement and sleep.It is closely related to Parkinson’s disease. Frontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal demena (FTD) is one of the less common types of demena. It is somemes called Pick’s disease or frontal lobe demena.Common symptoms of FTD include changes to personality and behaviour and/or dicules with language.10 Forms of dementiaAlzheimer’s DiseaseParkinson’sDiseaseVascular DemenaCreutzfeldt-Jakob DiseaseLewy Body DemenaHunngton’s DiseaseNormal Pressure HydrocephalusWernicke-Korsako SyndromeFrontotemporal DementiaMixedDementia13
1614What is dementia?What are the symptoms of dementia?Each person experiences demena in their own individual way. Dierent types of demena also tend to aect people dierently, especially in the early stages.However, there are some common early signs and symptoms of demena. These include: memory loss – for example, problems recalling things that happened recently diculty concentrang, planning or organising – for example, struggling to make decisions, solve problems or follow a series of steps (such as cooking a meal) problems with language and communicaon – for example, dicules following a conversaon or nding the right word for something misunderstanding what is being seen – for example, problems judging distances (such as on stairs) or perceiving the edges of objects and misinterpreng paerns or reecons being confused about me or place – for example, losing track of the me or date, or becoming confused about where they are mood changes or diculty controlling emoons – for example, becoming unusually anxious, irritable, sad or frightened, losing interest in things and personality changes. With some types of demena, the person may have diculty knowing what is real and what isn’t. They may see or hear things that are not really there (hallucinaons), or strongly believe things that are not true (delusions).However, having symptoms like memory problems does not always mean a person has demena. Demena-like symptoms can be caused by other condions, such as:• alcohol-related brain damage• mild cognive impairment• funconal cognive decline.Who gets dementia?There are currently around 900,000 people in the UK and 1,600 in Jersey living with demena. It mainly aects people over the age of 65.The likelihood of developing demena increases signicantly with age. One in 14 people aged over 65 has demena. This rises to 1 in 6 for people aged over 80. Demena can aect younger people too. This is oen called young-onset demena. Around 1 in 20 people with demena are younger than 65. There are around 10 people diagnosed in Jersey with young-onset demena. Demena is also more common among women than men.
15What is dementia?Why do some people get dementia and not others? It is not always clear why some people get demena while others don’t. It can depend on a combinaon of age, genes, lifestyle and other health condions. Most types of demena are not passed down (inherited) from a parent to a child. There are a few genes that will cause demena if they are passed from a parent to a child – known as ‘familial’ genes. However, familial genes are rare.Some things can increase your chances of developing demena, including:• high blood pressure• physical inacvity• drinking too much alcohol• smoking• hearing loss• diet.However, evidence shows there are things a person can do to reduce their risk of geng demena, especially if they do them mid-life (aged 40–65).Diagnosing dementia It is very important for anyone who has regular problems with their memory or thinking to be assessed by a health professional.If these problems are because of demena, geng an early diagnosis has many benets.It gives the person an explanaon for their symptoms, gives them access to treatment, advice and support and allows them to plan for the future.Treatments for dementiaKnowing the type of demena (for example, Alzheimer’s disease or vascular demena) is also important. This is because it may allow the person to get the right treatment, such as:• person-centred care• talking therapies• medicaon.There is no cure for demena yet. However, the right care and treatment can help a person with demena live well for as long as possible.A combinaon of both medicaon and non-medical treatments can help a person with demena to keep doing things for themselves.This article is from the Alzheimer’s Society. It can be found at the link listed below which has additional useful information that may be of help. hps://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-demena/types-demena/what-is-demenaScan this QR code with the camera on your phone to visit the above website.
Engaging in regular exercise can help maintain physical health, which is essenal for overall quality of life. Acvies such as walking, swimming, or even light stretching can strengthen muscles and enhance exibility and improve people’s moods. Physical acvity plays a crucial role in the well-being of people with dementia.DementiaDementiaLiving wellLiving wellwithExerciseExercise16Pictured: Mike enjoys Dementia Jersey’s exercise sessions with Ann at The Meeng Place in St Helier “It’s good for me because it helps my balance and it’s fun leaning the moves too!”
Living wellLiving well with DementiaDementiaDemena Jersey has a range of weekly physical acvies, such as our walking group, Splashchat and S-Club sessions, but The Brish Gymnascs Foundaon’s “Love to Move” programme can provide even more opportunies to exercise in the comfort of your own home. The Brish Gymnascs Foundaon’s “Love to Move” programme is an innovave seated exercise iniave designed specically for older adults, including those living with demena. This programme combines gentle movements with music to enhance physical, cognive and emoonal well-being. Parcipants engage in acvies that improve mobility, strength and coordinaon, which are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. The Love to Move programme is based on performing dierent movements with the right and le sides of the body at the same me. These movements smulate both sides of the brain and increases the number of connecons it makes between its neurons, resulng in an increase in cognive ability. Love to Move has been shown to have signicant benets, such as improving balance and reducing the risk of falls which is a parcular worry for some old people with demena. For people with demena, the Love to Move programme has also been proven to increase their capacity to process everyday tasks such as feeding themselves, doing cras, playing games and socialising with friends and family. 17Fancy giving it a go yourself?You can download the Love to Move booklet or watch and follow along with online videos at the British Gymnastics Foundation’s Love to Move website page. Visit https://britishgymnasticsfoundation.org/lovetomove/or scan this QR codewith the camera on your phone.Movement classes at the St Ouen Meeng Place
50 Mile Challenge50 Mile ChallengeFundraisingFundraisingNewsNewsDemena is the fastest growing disease on the island aecng those over 65 and without support from people like you, we simply couldn’t do what we do, so thank you. Together, we can ensure that we connue to provide a lifeline to people living with demena on the island.Some special shout outs...Simone for coming up with the idea of the 50 Mile Challenge in 2021, which has since become one of our most popular fundraising events!Solly for being our top fundraiser, raising over £1,500. Solly has been with us since the challenge rst launched and has raised over £5,000 in total. Keep up the amazing work, Solly!David for going above and beyond, clocking an impressive 320 miles in total - well done!Shelagh and Graeme for being so commied to the challenge that they took on the challenge while exploring New York!18A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our 50 Mile Challenge in January. It was great to see a mix of exisng and new supporters getting involved, with some of you going above and beyond the 50 mile goal! The final numbers are in and we are delighted to share them with you!£13,462 RAISEDOver 5,600 miles clocked
Looking for a new challenge?FundraisingFundraisingTrekTrekJoin us for a life-changing 9-day trek through the Avenue of Volcanoes – one of Ecuador’s most iconic and stunning landscapes! As you hike through breathtaking landscapes, you’ll discover towering, snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and hidden villages. Follow ancient trails, immersing yourself in the heart of the unique Andean culture – all while raising vital funds to support people living with demena in Jersey.For those wanng even more adventure, you can extend your trip to the Galapagos Islands for a once-in-a-lifeme experience!Don’t miss out! Challenge yourself, explore Ecuador’s wonders and make a real dierence!Find out more at: www.dementia.je/ecuador-trek or scan QR code.If you have any questions, please email nadine@demena.je or call 01534 723519.19Trek through Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes for Dementia Jersey! 15th – 23rd November 2025
FundraisingFundraisingNewsNews202025 Corporate Partners2025 Corporate PartnersWe are thrilled to introduce Demena Jersey’s corporate partners for 2025. Their support and commitment are crucial in helping us raise awareness and deliver essenal services to people living with dementia.Thank you for joining our mission to help make a dementia-friendly island.Royal Jersey Golf Club
FundraiserFundraiserShout OutsShout OutsGet your purple on...Get your purple on... You can now order ‘Doing it for Dementia’ T-Shirts from our online shop www.dementia.je/shopPrice Price £12.50£12.50Per shirtHapi and BonhealthCarey Olsen (2024 Corporate Partner)Jersey Ducati ClubHayley’s ‘Swim Condence’ ChallengeBoxing.je HIIT FundraiserRaised through corporate fundraising Hapi and BonHealth have chosen to support Dementia Jersey as part of their six-week brain health and wellness nutrion course.£23,978 RAISED£1,183.96 RAISED£2,150 RAISED£1,350 RAISED
Meet our Dementia AdvisorJulia FoleyHaving a nursing background spanning 45 years has been a wonderful career and vocaon. I have had a varied career from General nursing to Midwifery, Macmillan and Community nursing, which conrmed how privileged I am to have met people in all phases of their lives.During the Pandemic, I switched my career path to become Vaccinator & Clinical Lead for COVID-19 Vaccinaon services. In 2024 I was provided with an opportunity to embrace a new challenge and gain new skills in the role as a Demena Advisor.Meet the teamAs well as one-to-one support, Demena Jersey also provide a range of groups and acvies to support people with demena, carers and family members.Did you Did you know?know?What I love about my jobI enjoy working within a supporve movaonal team at Demena Jersey to raise awareness of Demena in the community and to improve the lives of people aected by Demena. My personal experience of how Demena aects the person and their family inspires me to make a dierence and support the people I meet.I am passionate about new learning and the importance of living well with Demena and nding the joyful moments in every day.Did you know?I have a love of the outdoors: walking, sea swimming and gardening. My friends and family are my joie de vivre as are French holidays and learning the language.22VolunteerVolunteerInterested in volunteering? Please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator Susie Kelly: Email: susie@dementia.je or Tel: 01534 723519
Support those living Support those living with dementia in with dementia in Jersey by giving Jersey by giving monthlymonthlyScan this QR code to visit our donations page£5£5 £10£10 £20£20will pay for new song books for our popular Musical Memories sessions for people with dementia.will pay for plants and owers in our new therapeuc allotment site for people with dementia.will pay for a face-to-face support session for up to 20 carers run by our Dementia Advisors.a month a month a monthIndividuals that give a monthly gi move us a step closer to achieving our vision of a dementia friendly island.DonateDonateBy choosing to donate monthly, you’re helping to make sure we can connue to provide life-changing support to islanders living with dementia. A regular gi means we can rely on consistent support and more eecvely budget throughout the year. Dementia Jersey exists to provide advice, support and informaon to the community as a whole. Our aim is to not only help about 1,600 people living with dementia on the island, but to also raise awareness and educate people to help remove the sgma and make Jersey a truly dementia friendly island. 23
Getting Getting to know...to know...24
Paul was born in St Helier in 1939, the eldest boy of 5 siblings. Aer junior school, he went to Hautlieu, enrolling as a cadet as he was set on a life on the sea. Aer being awarded a Howard Davies scholarship to Warsash University he climbed through the ranks to become a Foreign Going Master Mariner, vising both the far East and the Grand Banks as well as many other countries.Paul and his brother turned their passion for sailing into a career and started building small bre glass sailing yachts. They raced very successfully for many years with St Helier Yacht Club (where he met June).Paul’s love of music extends beyond singing and he used to play the guitar (only 3 chords) along with a mouth organ.Growing up Paul had a Tibetan Prayer dog called, Judy. The Ellis’ now live with their pet cat in a small bungalow in St Pete r.Over 20 years ago Paul & June planned on doing a 6 week cruise on ‘Foxy Lady’ but stayed away for 8 years! you may (or may not) know about Paul:5 FactsGetting to knowMeet Paul Ellis who along with his wife, June, lives in the Parish of St Peter. Paul and June have been married 19 years aer meeng at St Helier Yacht Club. Paul was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the summer of 2023. Since his diagnosis Paul has been a regular attendee at Musical Memories which he enjoys given he has sung since being a choir boy at the Town Church. Meet activities attendeePaul Ellis1234525
Coffee Coffee & Connect& ConnectActivity Spotlight26
Coee & Connect is one of our weekly therapeuc acvies which takes place on a Tuesday morning at the Radisson Hotel. It is a really good starter acvity for those who may not have accessed our acvies before. For £3 (cash) per person you are treated to a hot tea or coee and a tasty pastry.Coee & Connect provides a great seng for those living with demena and those caring for someone with demena, to take a break and connect with others who are going through the same journey. Share stories or just listen and share some laughter. It really is good to talk and keeping up social contact is important for cognive acvity so staying connected is one of the ways to keep your brain healthy. Ron & Daphne really enjoy Coee and Connect at the Radisson. Daphne explains, “it’s especially good for Ron as we don’t have much contact with other men as most of our family and friends are no longer with us. The Demena Jersey sta and volunteers are great and Margot and Philippa have a good rapport with everyone whilst dishing out the coee and lovely pastries. I would recommend anyone whose partner is living with demena to consider going along as you realise you’re not alone and can have a good chat in a friendly environment.”Coffee Coffee & Connect& ConnectIf you wish to learn more about Coee & Connect or any of the activities run by Demena Jersey please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, Susie Kelly: Email: susie@demena.je or Tel: 01534 723519Activity Spotlight27
Fun ‘n’ Games Fun ‘n’ Games Out WestOut WestTime: 14:00 - 15:30Venue: St BreladeEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required Join us for Fun ‘n’ Games every Monday aernoon in St Brelade.Enjoy games of dominoes, Jenga, bingo and cards or try your hand at a jigsaw, painng or colouring, in a relaxed sociable environment. We exercise our laughter muscles too by telling and sharing jokes.MondaysTime: 10:30 - 11:30 Venue: St HelierEvent Cost: Free + £3 for Coee & Connect Booking in advance is required Splashchat is a weekly social swimming group jointly run by the Occupaonal Therapists, the Memory Assessment Service, Demena Jersey and the AquaSplash. A 30 minute swim is followed by the opportunity to join the Coee & Connect group aerwards.SplashchatSplashchatTuesdaysDid you Did you know?know?28Did you Did you know?know?100% of aendees to our acvies say they enjoy meeng people in the same boat and 75% said they feel less isolated.Weekly Activities
Coffee & ConnectCoffee & ConnectS ClubS ClubTime: 11:00 - 12:30Venue: St HelierEvent Cost: Free + £3 for refreshmentsBooking in advance is required Join us every Tuesday for a cuppa and an opportunity to talk with other people living with demena, their carers and our volunteers. Coee & Connect provides a great seng for those living with demena and those caring for someone with demena, to take a break and connect with others who are going through the same journey. Share stories or just listen and share some laughter.Time: 14:30 - 16:00Venue: St MarnEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required Our programme of four gentle exercise based activities rotang on a weekly basis. There should be something for everyone; book one, two, three or all four activities:Strike – Seated boxingStretch – Gentle chair based yogaStep – Eastern inspired movementShimmy – A fun seated disco sessionAll groups are led by qualied instructors and are designed for those living with demena and their carers.TuesdaysTuesdays29Weekly Activities
Art ExploraonArt ExploraonTime: Session 1 - 10:00 - 11:15Time: Session 2 - 11:30 - 12:45 Venue: St PeterEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required This art therapy programme is specically designed for people with demena and members of their families and carers. Join us and explore your creavity. Free parking.WednesdaysTime: 14:30 - 16:00Venue: VariousEvent Cost: FreeRefreshments: To be paid forBooking in advance is required We meet regularly at St Clements Golf Centre and start with a gentle stroll around the grounds followed by refreshments in Partners restaurant - this usually involves cake! Our route is accessible, located away from busy roads and over at terrain. Occasionally we arrange visits around the island (like Hamptonne pictured), giving us the chance to explore dierent parts of Jersey. Please contact the oce to conrm the venue. Walk ‘n’ TalkWalk ‘n’ TalkWednesdays30Weekly Activities
Pétanque in the ParkPétanque in the ParkFun ‘n’ GamesFun ‘n’ Games Out EastOut EastTime: 10:30 - 12:00Venue: St MarnEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required Any budding Pétanque players please join us. St Marn Village Green is a great venue for a walk too so we hope to get people acve either by playing Pétanque, having a walk, or both. Join us for a drink which we serve at the Pétanque terrain.We have indoor Pétanque sessions during the winter months.Time: 14:00 - 15:30Venue: St ClementEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required Join us for Fun ‘n’ Games every Thursday aernoon in St Clement. Enjoy games of dominoes, Jenga, bingo and cards or try your hand at a jigsaw, painng or colouring, in a relaxed sociable environment.ThursdaysThursdaysDid you Did you know?know?In 2024 we had 6,397 aendances to our range of acvies, with 96% of people saying aending our acvies puts a smile on their faces for the rest of the day.31Weekly Activities
Gardening ClubGardening ClubTime: 10:30 - 12:00Venue: St ClementEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is required Join us to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors at our Forget-Me-Not Plot. Our allotment has to be seen to be believed.Get your hands dirty with some light gardening dues or just come and enjoy being in nature with a tea or coee in peaceful surroundings. Please bring along your own gardening gloves. Be aware in places the ground is a lile uneven.FridaysTime: 15:30 - 17:00Venue: St HelierEvent Cost: Free - refreshments includedBooking in advance is requiredMusical Memories is a weekly singing group for people with demena and their carers. Join us as we sing well loved songs, play musical instruments and engage in musical acvies.Most of all we have fun and share laughter with an aim to: Smulate memory Increase communicaon Encourage social networks.Rusty voices welcome.Musical MemoriesMusical MemoriesFridaysFor further information and to register your interest to join one of our dementia friendly acvies, please contact our office: Email: info@dementia.je or Tel: 01534 723519Want to join Want to join one of our one of our activities?activities?32Weekly Activities
Event SpotlightCelebrates Celebrates 10 years10 yearsIn January 2025 we celebrated a decade of our swimming activity Splashchat.For 10 years, this wonderful group has been providing a vital social and therapeuc swimming experience for people living with demena. To celebrate, we invited carers, volunteers and OT’s who’ve been part of the Splashchat (award winning!) journey for an opportunity to reect on what the group has achieved over the 10 years. We also enjoyed some delicious cake too! Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey – parcipants, volunteers and supporters. A special thank you to AquaSplash who host us for free. For 2025, they have also signed up to become a ‘Demena Friendly Business’ and have oered us a space to showcase informaon about our Boost Your Brain campaign on their internal windows. Keep your eyes peeled for our display!Anyone wishing to nd out more about this or any of our other acvies please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, Susie Kelly: Email: susie@demena.je or Tel: 01534 72351933
Carer’s SupportCarer’s SupportEach month Demena Jersey host a range of Carer’s Support Meengs for family and friends who are caring for someone with dementia.Meengs take place in a variety of venues and at dierent mes. They are held in a relaxed seng and include refreshments and the chance for you to meet with other carers. Demena Advisors are on hand at each meeng for an informal chat and to answer any quesons. You’re welcome to join all or just one of the sessions and you can invite another family member or friend to join you if you wish. Our carers have told us how helpful these meengs are and have welcomed the friendship and support from their fellow carers. Our demena advisors are also available for one-to-one appointments. Our free, friendly, supporve groups are open to anyone supporng or caring for a relave or friend with demena. They are informal opportunies to meet others over a cup of coee. If you would like to book a place at one of our carer support meetings please contact Dementia Jersey on Email: info@demena.je or Tel: 01534 723519MeetingsMeetingsDemena is the fastest growing condion aecng over 65s on the island and we predict that cases will double within a generaon.Did you Did you know?know?34
Morning Meeting Out EastVenue: RansomsWhen: Held once a monthTime: 11:00 - 13:00Event Cost: Free - Refreshments are available from the venue at your own expense.Quarterly Boys Own Meeting St HelierVenue: Dementia JerseyWhen: Held quarterlyTime: 11:00 - 13:00Event Cost: Free + £3.00 charge for refreshments.Please bring cash.This session is for male carers onlyQuarterly Meeting with Guest Speaker Venue: Monterey HotelWhen: Held quarterlyTime: 19:00 - 21:00Event Cost: Free + £3.00 charge for refreshments.Please bring cash.Quarterly Evening Meeting St HelierVenue: Demena JerseyWhen: Held quarterlyTime: 19:00 - 21:00Event Cost: Free + £3.00 charge for refreshments.Please bring cash.Aernoon MeetingOut WestVenue: CommunicareWhen: Held once a monthTime: 14:00 - 16:00Event Cost: Free + £3.00 charge for refreshments.Please bring cash.Morning Meeting St HelierVenue: Radisson HotelWhen: Held once a monthTime: 11:00 - 13:00Event Cost: Free + £3.00 charge for refreshments.Please bring cash.We currently run the following Carers’ Support GroupsTo book your place at one of these sessions or for further informaon on dates and speaker topics, please contact us. Email: info@demena.je or Tel: 01534 723519 Advance booking is required 35Carer’s Support
Meet our Receptionist/AdministratorSelina DownieWhat I love about my jobI have always been interested in caring for people in the local community so am delighted to have the opportunity to work at Demena Jersey. My father-in-law was diagnosed with Demena in 2023 and so working with Demena Jersey is very close to my heart. I am passionate about making a dierence, not only for the person living with demena, but for their family too.Did you know?I live with my husband and two teenage girls, two rescue dogs and a cat. I love spending me with my family and socialising with my friends. I also enjoy charity walks, gardening and geng out in the fresh air with my dogs in my spare me.I started working with Dementia Jersey in October 2024. I previously worked in the Emergency Department at the Hospital for 11 years as a Receponist/Administrator. During that me I also worked in the community for a local care agency, Posive Steps, for 3 years, assisng people with demena and special needs.Meet the teamLack of knowledge about demena leads to inaccurate assumpons about its eects on the person and their family and negave stereotypes about how a person with demena will behave.Did you Did you know?know?Help us support those living with demena in Jersey with a monthly donaon to Demena Jersey. To donate, visit www.demena.je/donateDonate36
It’s good to talk.We’re here to listen.Free Free SupportSupportCounsellingCounsellingfor people with dementia for people with dementia and their familiesand their families37Because we know it’s good to talk about the things that are troubling us, Dementia Jersey provides a bespoke counselling service for anyone impacted by dementia.Who is this service for?This service is for anyone who is affected by demena including people with demena living at home or in a care home, their families and friends and people who are bereaved following the death of someone with dementia.How do I arrange to see a counsellor? To make an appointment to see a counsellor please phone or email us at Dementia Jersey.Phone: 01534 723519Email: info@dementia.je“Thank you for your wonderful professional support. Your oce is a lovely sanctuary.”“It’s the one me in the week that’s just for me. To sit down and have someone to listen is so precious.”“Without this service I would have oundered long ago."
Become a Become a Dementia Dementia FriendFriendA one hour interacve session to learn about demenaOur Demena Friends programme aims to change the way people think, act and talk about demena. Each session includes 5 key messages on demena as well as acvies to enhance people’s understanding of demena.With increased awareness and further understanding local people can beer support those living with demena.A one hour interactive session to learn about dementiaSessions are held twice a month at the Sessions are held twice a month at the Jersey Library.Jersey Library.Our Demena Friends programme aims to change the way people think, act and talk about demena. Each session includes 5 key messages on demena as well as acvies to enhance people’s understanding of demena.With increased awareness and further understanding local people can beer support those living with demena.Booking in advance is required.Booking in advance is required.To book a session scan the QR code or contact our Community Educaon Coordinator Jane Vincent.Tel: 01534 723519 Email: jane@dementia.jewww.dementia.jeSign up nowSign up nowScan this QR code to book your session
39Dementia Dementia EducationEducationJane has been on a mission to make Jersey more demena-friendly, delivering training at Macmillan Jersey and Jersey Hospice. Her sessions equip sta and volunteers with essenal knowledge on engaging with those living with demena, ensuring they receive the understanding and support they deserve.She’s also been a familiar face at BCR Law’s monthly sessions around the island; seng up Demena Jersey’s awareness stands and oering parishioners insights into available services. December saw her aending the government-led Embrace Our Dierence event, an invaluable opportunity to showcase the charity’s far-reaching impact.Educaon remains central to her work. She provided tailored training for Highlands College social work students, joined by a volunteer carer who shared rst-hand experiences. At Jersey College for Girls Prep, Jane led a school-wide assembly, inspiring students to select Demena Jersey as a supported charity—culminang in a generous £832 donaon. Over at De La Salle, she helped students design engaging acvies for Demena Jersey members, fostering deeper understanding and inclusivity.Jane has also been delivering free Demena Friends sessions at the St Helier Library, Highlands College and Bedell Crisn. She also connected with teams from London to the Cayman Islands. A highlight was a well-aended session for St Ouen’s Church Fellowship, followed by a delighul aernoon tea.With a packed year ahead, Jane remains commied to raising awareness through the demena educaon programmes. To learn more about our demena educaon programmes please visit www.dementia.je/educaonThe last three months have been an excing me for Community Educaon Coordinator Jane Vincent with invites being received from many dierent groups ranging from schools, social groups and corporates.
The MeetingThe MeetingPlace ProjectPlace ProjectSt MartinSt Martin40
41MeetingsMeetingsThe group originally started in St Saviour but soon found its home at St Marn’s Methodist Church, where it welcomes people with mild demena living in and around the parish. Member’s of the group take part in brain smulang acvies and light exercise sessions that help them to live well for as long as possible. The group has gone from strength to strength over the last year and even hosted a Christmas Get-together that brought members from all 5 of our Meeng Place groups together for the rst me. So here’s to another fantasc year of the Meeng Place in St Marn! Who is the Meeting Place for?People with newly diagnosed, mild demena who are sll living independently in the community.Volunteering at the Meeting Place!We couldn’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Whether it’s supporng a person with demena to complete a crossword, sharpening pencils or handing out biscuits, the support of our volunteers is vital to the success of the groups! THANK YOU ALL.Our St Martin’s groupOur St Martin’s group turns one year old!turns one year old!VolunteerVolunteerInterested in volunteering? Please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator Susie Kelly: Email: susie@dementia.je or Tel: 01534 723519The Meeting Place Project
Lived ExperienceLived ExperienceAdvisory NetworkAdvisory NetworkA new look for LEAP in 2025A new look for LEAP in 2025At Demena Jersey we are passionate about listening to the voices of our service users. We know that people with demena and their families and friends have a wealth of knowledge and understanding that is only gained from experience. If this is shared it can help other people understand what it is like to have demena or to care for someone with demena. It can also help us at Demena Jersey, health service providers and businesses, to design and provide services to meet people’s needs.So why the name change?During our last LEAP meengs in 2024, while discussing plans for LEAP in 2025, some of those aending told us that they thought LEAN would be a beer descripon for this network of meengs. So, LEAN it now is, because we listened to what you said and we really do agree! And what is LEAN?LEAN is a network of six separate meengs for people with demena and their families and friends, during which aendees share their experiences on a subject related to demena. These six LEAN meengs are scheduled during the course of one week, four mes a year in March, June, September and December.While we hope that people aending feel supported and at ease, these meengs are quite dierent to our carer support groups because they have a planned focus for the discussions. During these six meengs we take careful, anonymised notes which are amalgamated together into one summary document which we then publish on our website. We also share any recommendaons made by LEAN with other organisaons as appropriate.What we have been doingThe following are just some of LEAN’s recommendaons that we have aconed so far or planning for 2025. We have increased the number Meeng Place Project sessions to enable more people to benet from these very popular groups.We have extended our Demena Advice and Counselling services and the range of carer support groups so more people can aend meengs at mes to suit them.We now oer training for family carers.We are developing training for professional carers. We are providing more community-based informaon sessions to help people understand more about demena thus helping to reduce sgma.We have added to the range of acvies we oer for people with demena.We have launched a Boost Your Brain campaign, designed to let the public know how they can reduce their risk of geng demena.Our Demena Friendly Business scheme is helping to make more businesses more accessible for people with demena.We are sharing LEAN’s recommendaons widely across the island.LEAN42
What to do if you would like to join in a LEAN discussionIf you have demena and already aend one of the Meeng Place Project sessions, please speak to the leader of your group about LEAN.If you have a relave or friend with demena, come along to the LEAN sessions detailed below. While enjoying a light lunch together we focus our discussions on a specic subject of interest. To enable people to talk freely, no names are shared and all the informaon discussed is anonymised. The meengs are led by Demena Jersey’s Clinical Lead, Dr Sian Wareing-Jones.Lived Experience Advisory Network43LEAN sessions for 2025If you aend one of our Meeng Place Project sessions, LEAN discussions will be during meengs in March, June, September and December. If you have a family member or friend with demena, the dates and subjects for our discussions in 2025 are:Friday 14 March – DrivingFriday 13 June – Aending or being in hospital Friday 12 September – CommunicaonFriday 12 December – Demena Jersey and the services we provideThese meeng will all be from 12.15 to 13.45 at our new oces in Halke Place, St Helier.A light lunch will be provided.If you would like to know more about LEAN, or to book a place at any of these meengs, please contact us by Email: info@demena.je or Tel: 01534 723519Scan the QR Code to visit our LEAN website page
Volunteer Volunteer SpotlightSpotlightVolunteerVolunteerInterested in volunteering? Please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator Susie Kelly: Email: susie@dementia.je or Tel: 01534 72351944
Adrian’s day job is as a Leisure Assistant at Springeld Stadium and he explains: I chose Demena Jersey aer my Dad passed away in 2021 from Vascular Dementia. The charity provides invaluable support not only for people living with various forms of demena but also for their loved ones and caregivers. I couldn’t think of a beer cause to support.I’ve immensely enjoyed the opportunity to help people. Having experienced Dad’s journey with demena, I can relate to where the Meeng Place Project aendees are in their life and it’s good to see Demena Jersey’s services helping to make their lives as enjoyable as possible. I’ve already decided that I will do some addional volunteering for Demena Jersey in my own me, when I can. The most rewarding part of volunteering has been seeing the people coming along to the Meeng Place Project having a good, fun me and even reconnecng with people they hadn’t seen in many years.I hadn’t really interacted with anyone who has demena since my dad passed away, so was unsure of how I would feel about being around people with demena again but it’s been ne and through volunteering, I’ve got a denite feeling of doing something posive and helping the community. I’d also like to think that Dad would be proud that I’m doing it.Dementia Jersey Meeng Place Project volunteerVolunteer, Adrian Ellis uses the volunteering hours his employer, Government of Jersey, gives each member of sta each year to support Demena Jersey at The Meeng Place Project in St Marn.Adrian Ellis 45Volunteer SpotlightA special thank you to two of our long term volunteers who have hung up their purple.We say a fond farewell to Jackie McPhail who was our rst Meeting Place volunteer and Susan Gillen who was the original Walk ‘n’ Talk volunteer.Thank you for all your volunteering hours! Jackie and Susan will both be missed by us all. SusanJackieJackie
Book ClubWhether ction or non-ction, reading can be a great way to increase understanding about demena, as well as providing a useful activity with people with dementia to help stimulate and maintain connections. In this issue we feature books recommended by the Alzheimer’s Society and Demena UK.On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’sBy Greg O’BrienThe Brain Health Puzzle Bookby Dr Tim BeanlandA book about living with Alzheimer’s disease, not dying with it. It is a book about hope, faith, and humour. Greg O’Brien, an award-winning invesgave reporter, has been diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. Acng on long-term memory and skill coupled with his well-developed journalisc grit, O’Brien decided to tackle his imminent decline by wring frankly about the journey. This book is both a ‘how to’ for ghng a disease, and a ‘how not’ to give up!On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s is a trail-blazing roadmap for a generaon—both a “how to” for ghng a disease, and a “how not” to give up!With regular pracce, puzzles may help to improve brain funcon and prevent age-related cognive decline. Featuring 150 puzzles of varying diculty, The Brain Health Puzzle book aims to target dierent areas of the brain and improve cognion. Whether you’re looking to improve your memory, sharpen your focus, or reduce your risk of demena, The Brain Health Puzzle book will help you achieve your goals. With its comprehensive range of puzzles and expert guidance, this book is the ulmate resource for anyone keen to improve their brain health and enhance their mental agility.46Recommended by the Alzheimer’s Society Scan this QR code to nd this book on the Alzheimer’s Society ShopRecommended by Dementia UK - Available to purchase from Amazon Scan this QR code to nd this book on Amazon
Consumer CornerIn each issue of Dementia Matters we have reviews of products and tech that are designed to help people with demena. In this issue we have selected items featured on the Alzheimer’s Society website.In this issue we feature products recommended by the Alzheimer’s Society.Autumn Market - 35 piece jigsaw puzzle The larger size of the puzzle means more people can get involved in assembling a beauful picture over a nice cup of tea.Helps with: Entertainment and cognive smulaon, reminiscence and conversaon, stress and reassurance.From Alzheimer’s Society shop • £11.24Scan the QR code to view this item online.Kitchen GenieThe Kitchen Genie is a mul-purpose, easy-to-use kitchen gadget that allows the user to open jars, boles, screw tops, ring pulls and cans with ease and minimal eort. Perfect for people with dexterity issues and poor grip. Helps with: Ease and simplicityAvailable from the Alzheimer’s Society shop • £3.99Scan the QR code to view this item online.Talking Tins - 40 Seconds - pack of three Pack of three magnec red circular n lids, where you can record a 40 second voice recording of what is in your ns. Comes with a velcro strap for wrapping round non metal containers.Helps with: Ease and simplicityAvailable from Alzheimer’s Society shop • £24Scan the QR code to view this item online.47
Ways you can Ways you can support ussupport usOur running costs are over £820,000 per annum. We therefore rely on the support and generosity of the public and the business community. All money raised in Jersey is spent in Jersey.Donate OnlineDonate OnlineMake a donaon online via our website: www.dementia.jeDonate by chequeDonate by chequePlease make cheques payable to ‘Dementia Jersey’ and send to our office at the address below.FundraiseFundraiseRaise money through a challenge event by walking, cycling, abseiling, trekking or skydiving for Dementia Jersey; or pick a challenge of your own. Please contact Nadine for more information. Email: nadine@dementia.jeVolunteerVolunteerConsider volunteering at our events. For more information please contact our Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, Susie. Email: susie@dementia.jeContact usContact usTel: 01534 723519Email: info@dementia.jeWeb: www.dementia.jePost: Dementia Jersey, 74 Halke Place, St Helier, JE2 4WHHours: 10:00 - 16:00 Monday to FridayJersey Charities Commission number 42 • Patron Dr Karen KydFind, Like and Share us onwww.dementia.jeScan This QR Code to visit our donations pageThis magazine is kindly sponsored bySkiptonCommunityFund