When dementia begins to affect daily life, those living with the condition and the people caring for them, can quickly find themselves feeling isolated, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
In Bewdley, a local support group is helping to change that. With support from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, Bewdley Dementia Support Group is creating safe spaces where people can come together and feel understood without needing to explain their situation.
The group runs regular drop‑in sessions alongside a wide range of activities designed to support wellbeing and connection. It is a place where people can relax, talk openly and take part in everyday activities in a way that feels normal and manageable.
For many, that sense of ease and understanding is what makes the biggest difference.
One attendee said: “Knowing we can come to meetings and not have to explain my husband’s condition is marvellous. If we did not have this group we would be sat at home isolated.”
Alongside regular sessions, the group also creates opportunities for people to reconnect with their community and enjoy shared experiences.
This work also helps to raise awareness more widely. Events like the annual Bewdley Dementia Awareness Day bring the community together and open up conversations, with more than 400 people attending last year.
Across everything the group does, the impact is clear. People arrive looking for support, but they stay for the understanding, the familiarity and the sense that they are not facing things alone.
To find out more or get involved, visit: www.bewdleydementiasupportgroup.org.uk
If you’d like to explore how a Public Health Community Wellbeing Grant could support wellbeing in your area, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants