An introduction to Tisbury Memory Group
One of the needs identified in the Tisbury rural area was a lack of activities for people with short term memory loss.
You may ask why there is this need? The reason being that many are embarrassed by their condition, and also those with dementia find that they are not accepted in regular groups or day centres, and so remain at home becoming isolated.
As I am sure you are aware, short term memory loss can be a result of a variety of reasons - old age, stroke, dementia anaesthesia, the list goes on - however people with memory loss have as much right as anyone else to feel part of the community and to have a source of information and support.
Tisbury Memory Group was able to open its doors in May 2014. The need is evident. We are now in our eleventh year. We have lost members due to the ravages of time but there are always new people to take their place. We maintain a base of about 40 people and continue to grow. The group’s aim is to live well with memory loss and our objectives are:
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for members to maintain a sense of identity and well-being
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for the group to be led by local people for local people
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to be a community resource.
Most importantly it is a non-judgemental group. It doesn’t matter if we can’t remember names or the punch line of the joke we are telling! Everyone is accepted for who they are and there is a true sense of belonging.
Today it is a mixed group of all ages. We have carers, family members, some diagnosed with dementia, others who have suffered from a stroke and more who are just concerned that their memory is not as good as it used to be. The group is open to everyone in Tisbury and from surrounding villages living with memory loss and people caring for someone with the condition.
We have a full programme of information sessions, activities, music, speakers and opportunities to chat, make friends and have a laugh.
What started as an idea in 2013 has grown and 10 years on and post pandemic, it is essential for both memories and our wellbeing. We are very sociable, have a great time, learn something new every session with many laughs and lots of cake.
We are clearly doing something right because people keep coming back and telling their friends. Obviously it’s the cakes the helpers and I bake, but the group continues to thrive and really adds value to members’ lives.
Ann-Marie Dean
Tisbury Memory Group Founder and Leader
