Darnall Dementia Group

Our group loves table games. The competition gets pretty fierce, but it’s always in good fun, with plenty of laughter to go with the rivalries.

Our recent paper butterfly craft session was a resounding success, offering a wonderful opportunity for engagement and creative expression for people with dementia. The tactile experience of choosing different colours and textures stimulated conversation and brought back fond memories for many.

There was an abundance of fun and laughter throughout the room, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The session culminated in a palpable sense of pride as participants showcased their beautiful, individually crafted butterflies, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits and simple joys of creative activities.

Our visit to Weston Park Museum was a delightful day from start to finish. The weather was perfect – warm and sunny, ideal for exploring the park’s vibrant greenery before heading into the cafe for lunch. The cafe offered a fantastic selection, truly something for everyone in our group.

Inside the museum, the Pete McKee art exhibition was a real highlight. His work immediately sparked vivid memories of growing up in Sheffield. For several members of our group, Weston Park itself held a special significance from their childhoods. One lady fondly recalled spending Whit Sundays there, while another shared how it had practically been their playground because they lived so close by.

The trip was a resounding success, filled with smiling faces and excited chatter about our next adventure!

Millhouses Park is a large park in the Ecclesall area of Sheffield. Many people have fond childhood memories of visiting the park.

Malcolm, who attends the day centre, talked about wanting to visit the park with his wife, Lynn. They had spent much of their early married life visiting the park, this had continued when their children came along. Lynsey collected Malcolm and Lynn from home. During the journey Malcolm was able to point out local landmarks and places where family members had lived.

Being in the park generated lots of memories for Malcolm and Lynn, comparisons were made with how the park used to look and how it looks now. They were able to appreciate the formal flower beds, boating lake and cafe as well as new developments i.e. outside gym, splash water play and the skate park.

The weather was kind and everyone appreciated being out in the fresh air, being amongst people having a good time. After a visit to the cafe we made our way home. The next time Malcolm came to the centre he commented on how much he had enjoyed the little trip.

On Wednesday 7th May we celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The anniversary was an opportunity to honour the second World War generation and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war. Many of the people who attend our group were children during the war.

They have vivid memories of going into air raid shelters and witnessing the aftermath of the Sheffield blitz. They recall rationing and the impact that the loss of life had on their communities. We spent time reflecting on the hardships but also on the positive outcomes of how communities came together and helped each other.

The morning period was spent finishing decorating the hall. We put up bunting, flags and balloons. Linda had made a cake which we all shared. After lunch, we had a musical afternoon, singing and dancing facilitated by Andrea. It was a really lovely day, a day to share experiences and celebrate freedom and peace.

There is a lot of excitement at the centre as we prepare to celebrate VE Day.

Many of the people who attend group were children during the war. They have vivid memories of air raid shelters and bomb damaged buildings.

They talk about the camaraderie, friendships and communities coming together.

Whilst planning this event people were asked what food they would like to have, it was an unanimous decision to have fish and chips followed by trifle.

Our VE Day Celebrations are kindly being supported by funding from East Local Area Committee and we thank them for their support.

Whilst looking at local history books on Sheffield city centre Momo commented that it had been a long time since she had been to town.

When she was younger she had worked in the Moor area and was keen to see the changes.

We set a date for a mini trip to town, parking at the bottom of the Moor and working our way up.

Momo and Lynsey had a great time. The weather was kind and the people they encountered were friendly and helpful.

Momo was especially impressed with the Peace Gardens and Winter Gardens, she loved the fountains and the landscaping.

They treated themselves to lunch in Ambulo, a lovely cafe below the Millenium Galleries.

A very, very nice day.

Tony has been a member of the Group for a few years. He often shares stories of his working in heavy industry.

We talked about Sheffield’s proud history of steel making and how it shaped the lives of people who worked very hard in difficult working environments.

Tony expressed an interest in visiting Kelham Island Museum, a Sheffield industry and steel making museum with interactive galleries and on-site Craftsmen Tony, Lynsey and Courtney had a brilliant day out.

Tony was especially impressed with the River Don Engine, a steam engine that was used for rolling hot steel. It was built in 1904, after over 70yrs service it was installed in Kelham Island Museum. Its sheer size is a sight to behold.

There were friendly, knowledgeable guides that were happy to talk us through different machines and tools, we all came away knowing more than we had arrived with.

Afterwards, we went to Joni’s cafe for a drink and relaxed before heading back home.

DDG is 40! 

Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate on Wednesday. Didn’t we have a lovely time! 

Here are a few pictures from the event: 

Research Participants Needed! 

Are you a carer of someone with dementia? Does the person you care for attend a day centre? Would you like to share your views and contribute to research? 

A study is being conducted which focuses on the role of day care centres for people living with dementia on the lives of informal carers. Taking part in this study would involve a face to face interview, lasting approximately one hour, during which you would be asked questions regarding your role as a carer and the influence dementia day centres have on your life. The interviews would take place around Spring 2023. 

The research will be conducted by Ursula Mallender, an Occupational Therapy postgraduate student at Sheffield Hallam University. 

If you would be interested in taking part, or would like further information, please email ursula.a.mallender@student.shu.ac.uk. 

Please note that this is a voluntary study, there will be no payment for participation. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this! 

Life Story Group 

Some of you may have heard about the Life Story Project from Pat and Nigel. This is a wonderful project delivered by Speech and Language therapists working with the University of Sheffield. The group runs on Wednesday afternoons from a venue near Weston Park Museum. 

What is life story work?  

Life story work is about finding out what is important to you  

– your memories, experiences and beliefs.  

Students get to know you and what interests you.  

Share what YOU want about YOUR life.  

If you want us to, we put this information into your Life Story.  

Your Life Story is unique, so you choose how to do it. Some people make  

books, but other people choose a box of important pictures and items.  

Some people work on communication, or just have a chat. 

There is a bit of a waiting list to join the group at present and they can only accept referrals (i.e. people can’t just drop in) but please chat to Bev if you would like to find out more or if you would like to be referred. 

Au revoir!

Goodbye for now from Ayesha. I’m moving on to a different organisation next week but just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone involved with DDG. What a wonderful and special environment you have all created and I send you all my love and best wishes for the next 40 years! xxxxx