<![CDATA[The Dementia Experience CIC - News & Views]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:34:18 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[BBC RADIO KENT]]>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:00:03 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/bbc-radio-kentEdith & Clara were thrilled to be live on BBC radio Kent this morning!
They discussed our Joy in Motion group & the power of community & connection.
Listen here from 1.46.26 onwards 
We can't wait to get the term up & running. 
​See you on Friday 9th Jan at Repton Community Centre, Ashford 1300pm-1430pm 🙂
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]]><![CDATA[2026  here we come!]]>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:47:31 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/2026-here-we-comeHuge news recently received…..The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded The Dementia Experience three year funding!
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This incredible support allows us to embark on a new chapter of growth & deepen our impact within the community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to The National Lottery for believing in our vision and fueling this next chapter.

Ultreia! Onwards & upwards for all xxx
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]]><![CDATA[READ ALL ABOUT IT!]]>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:04:45 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/read-all-about-itOur December newsletter is filled with heart-warming photos capturing a few of the nuggets of joy generated by The Dementia Experience, plus updates on exciting events still to come before the year ends, and some major announcements about what’s ahead for 2026.
]]><![CDATA[CO-OP]]>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 17:18:42 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/co-opWe’re delighted to let you know that from today, Co-op Members can officially support The Dementia Experience as part of the Local Community Fund.

A huge thanks to Co-op for choosing us!

If you're not yet a member, we'd be so grateful if you could download the Co-op App, become a member & choose our cause, so we can receive a share of £5m.
https://coopapp.onelink.me/ftOk/hco0f1vm
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]]><![CDATA[REST & RECHARGE]]>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:20:44 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/rest-rechargePicture
We know how important it is to have time out to recharge our batteries. So we have teamed up Temple Wellbeing to deliver you a delicious treat, at a discount.

Book in for a much deserved 60 minutes of....hot lava shell back of body massage, hydrating facial massage plus scalp, neck and shoulder massage- all from the comfort of your own home!

Natasha is also able to make adjustments for anyone with mobility issues so that it is as comfortable as possible for you.

Please add the discount code ‘TDE20’ in the ‘desired date/time’ box & you’ll receive 20% off your treatment.
]]><![CDATA[CAN DO ATTITUDE]]>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 12:03:22 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/wisdom-courageThis week, one phrase fired me up. A new care home owner introduced herself the other day: "I'm not here to change the world." 

What?! In such a role there is only one thing to do! Do whatever it takes to shake things up and improve lives.  The vulnerable residents and their families deserve that level of courage and commitment.

I left that meeting frustrated beyond belief. I nearly cancelled my next appointment. But I’m so glad I didn't. One of the speakers on the panel of dementia experts proudly announced: “I’m a do-er. I’m here to change the world.” Music. To. My. Ears. Isn't that the point? If you're involved in the world of dementia — whether you're a carer, a care home owner, care home manager, care agent — your purpose is to make change happen. All of that pain that we are in contact with daily can be flipped.

Sure, there’s a lot we can’t control. It can feel like trying to fill a jug with a hole in the bottom. 
It can feel distressing and depressing. There is no cure. No clear timeline. Dementia just… does its thing.

And for someone like me — a self-confessed bossy-boots, ex-teacher control freak — that’s not been easy to accept. But dementia has taught me to let go of the things I can’t change, and to pour my energy into the things I can.

I’m lucky — I grew up with words like “wonderful,” “on, on,” and “you bet” echoing around me.
A constant reminder to stay positive, to keep going, and to grab every opportunity with both hands.

And the truth is, there’s still so much we can do:
A dear friend recently reminded me of the Serenity Prayer — words that feel especially relevant this week:

God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

So let this be our reminder:
Be bold. Change the world.
With love,
x]]><![CDATA[GOLDEN glory at bedgebury]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:19:00 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/golden-glory-at-bedgebury
What a very gorgeous day we had! Thank you so much to all who were able to join us, to the volunteers for showing us the way and teaching us so much about the glory that is nature, and to the Bedgebury team for hosting us so warmly. The sensory stations were sensational! So grateful to Helen from CARM for delivering soothing and smoothing hand massages whilst Edith Tankus energised and revitalised with fab chair yoga. 
]]><![CDATA[WORLD ALZHEIMER'S MONTH]]>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:27:51 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/world-alzeimers-monthPicture
September is World Alzheimer's Month and we're inspired by the many discussions about dementia  taking place across all platforms currently.
Fear-free we must face dementia.
Turn towards, not away.

This is the heartfelt message underlined by the brilliant actress Anne-Marie Duff, as expressed on The Today programme, this morning: listen to the short clip- from around 2.40.

When my own mum's dementia began to unravel her, my main instinct was to tell as many people as possible that she had dementia. I craved information, hope and empathy from others. This was the only way I was going to be handed the tools for the essential armour required for us both to cope with this demanding landscape.

Keep telling each other. No stigma, no fear. It's the only way to shift society's approach to dementia and support and remind each other how to pan for those short but oh so sweet nuggets of joy that keep everyone going.
]]><![CDATA[spreading the word on ASHFORD RADIO]]>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:32:00 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/fab-radio-ashford-interview-our-founder
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Click on the link to hear our Founder Clara speaking to Sam Griffin from Radio Ashford about her mother's dementia and why it propelled the creation of The Dementia Experience.
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​www.mixcloud.com/samantha-betty-jane-turnbull/clara-from-the-dementia-experience-interview-with-sam-griffin-on-radio-ashford-71124/

Clara returned to Radio Ashford on 4th September to unveil the excitement behind our Sensory Stretch at Bedgebury Pinetum!
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Clara from The Dementia Experience interview with Sam Griffin on Radio Ashford 4.9.25 by Samantha Griffin | Mixcloud

]]><![CDATA[PERFECT PARTNERSHIP]]>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.dementia-experience.com/news--views/august-11th-2025
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​We’re thrilled to have teamed up with Squiggle Consult. Their estate planning consultants are gentle & empathetic and have the expertise to guide you through a variety of estate planning services such as Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney and Probate. 

Why It Matters? Dementia can bring uncertainty, but planning doesn’t have to. This is why Squiggle Consult are offering a free will to The Dementia Experience’s supporters—ensuring they can protect their loved ones and have peace of mind.

How It Works Supporters can receive a professionally drafted will at no cost. The expert team at Squiggle Consult makes the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs.

Secure Your Future Today A will isn’t just a legal document - it’s a way to provide clarity and security for your family.  Reach out to Squiggle Consult to get started.
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