A new group has started in Swanage, Dorset, offering support for those living with dementia and their carers.
Aiming to replicate the success of the established Forget-me-not group in Wareham, the club was launched in Swanage on Wednesday 14th January 2026 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
To mark the occasion, a cake was shared with everyone who attended the launch
“Some singing and hopefully, lots of laughter”
The Wednesday morning sessions from 10.30 am to 12 noon, which include refreshments and activities, are organised and run by Age UK, along with Dementia UK, and supported by Dementia Friendly Purbeck.
North, South and West Dorset Age UK wellbeing facilitator Lorraine Slowther, who is leading on the initiative said:
“Our aim is to provide a supportive, safe and engaging space for those living with dementia, partners and carers each week with some coffee, tea and biscuits along with activities, speakers, some singing and hopefully, lots of laughter.
“The Forget-me-not group is a wonderful community collaboration between the regional branch of Age UK, Dementia UK and our Purbeck Admiral nurse.
“We are well supported by Dementia Friendly Purbeck who have paid for this venue and of course I would like to thank the Emmanuel Church for this wonderful space.
“It’s a very welcoming group and suitable for anyone with a diagnosis of dementia or those who are on the first step towards being diagnosed, along with partners and carers. We very much look forward to meeting up with old friends and making new ones!”
Lorraine Slowther from Age UK facilitated the launch session
Marilyn Butler (left) and Sue Plowman (right) from Dementia Friendly Purbeck came along to hand out information
Building on the success of Wareham’s group
A Forget-me-not group has been running on Mondays from 10.30 am to 12 noon at the rugby club in Bestwall Road, Wareham, since 2023.
Typically the sessions start with tea, coffee and biscuits for both those living with dementia and their carers and partners.
This is followed by Age UK run activities, like skittles, singing, or listening to music, organised for those with dementia, while carers and partners can go into a separate room to chat and get support from each other.
Marilyn Butler from Dementia Friendly Purbeck said:
“I’m involved with the Wareham Forget-me-not group and we are hoping to replicate the same success in Swanage.
“The coffee mornings are an opportunity to help those living with dementia in a social setting. It’s also a way of people finding out more about the support that’s available like the cognitive stimulation therapy group.
“Our Admiral nurse Rachel Murray will also be coming along when she can, so it’s a chance to have a chat with her about any worries or concerns.”
A separate room at the Baptist church is provided for carers
Volunteer ambassador for Dementia UK Val Wilson
“Private, dignified space for carers”
The carers‘ sessions are facilitated by volunteer ambassador for Dementia UK Val Wilson. She said:
“This group in Swanage is aimed, not only as an enjoyable morning out, but to provide support for carers.
“We offer a private, dignified space for carers to air their concerns and share their experiences with others who can understand the stresses of being a carer.”
Tracie Smith from Jurassic Care (left), with Mel Norris (right) a trustee of Dementia Friendly Purbeck who is pleased the sessions are offering more structured support for carers
At the launch there was fun and games with skittles
“Get out and socialise”
Attending the launch event were those living with dementia along with family members, as well as those who were brought along by professional carers, who stayed with their clients for the activity session.
Tracie Smith from the care company Jurassic Care said:
“We were very pleased to be invited to the launch event, so we’ve come along to see what it’s all about.
“It’s always good for our clients to get out and socialise – after this, we’re all off to the golf club for lunch!
Further information
- More about Dementia Friendly Purbeck and Dementia UK
- What Age UK offers in Dorset
