24 April 2025
Islanders with new or mild dementia can continue to benefit from a group which
helps them to cope with their symptoms, stay healthy and stimulate their memory.
Dementia Jersey has been awarded a further three-year contract by Health and Care
Jersey, (HCJ, to deliver its successful Meeting Place Project in St Clement and St
Helier.
Launched in 2021, with the support of Government funding, the Meeting Place
Project is a weekly group for people with mild symptoms and a diagnosis of
dementia where they can meet other Islanders with dementia and share advice and
support.
During the sessions, people can take part in brain stimulating activities such as
language and number games, take part in light exercise including Tai Chi as well as
share their own experiences with people in similar situations.
Due to the new contract with HCJ, Dementia Jersey can continue to provide The
Meeting Place Project in St Helier and St Clement. The charity also offers groups in St
Martin, St Brelade and St Ouen.
Ally Cordery, whose godfather attends the Meeting Place Project, said: “When Roger
was diagnosed with dementia 12 months ago, I felt so sad for him and neither of us
discussed the diagnosis, we treated it as a shameful secret. I went on a course to
increase my understanding of the condition, and Roger began attending the Meeting
Place, and suddenly, we both came to the realisation that Roger was living with
dementia and not suffering from it.
“He benefits hugely from the safe environment of the group and the socialising, as
well as the puzzles and games. He has never attended a company Christmas party
during his 40+ years of employment, but he went along to the Christmas party at
Dementia Jersey and thoroughly enjoyed it. We’re so grateful for all the support the
charity offers, not only to Roger but also to my family.”
Ann-Marie Self, who attends the St Helier sessions after she was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s in 2023, said: “The Meeting Place Project is very supportive. It’s great
because I don’t feel like I’m alone with my diagnosis. Everyone is different but we all
have this in common. I was worried after getting my diagnosis from the Memory
assessment service, but they referred me to the Meeting Place Project and it’s really
helped.”
The Meeting Place Project embodies the Government’s Common Strategic Policy to
support Islanders to live healthier, active, longer lives, improve the quality of and
access to mental health services and to put patients and their carers at the heart of
Jersey’s health and care system.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “When we
published the Dementia Strategy and its Implementation Plan last year, we were clear
that we wanted to ensure that Islanders living with dementia and their families have
access to the care and support that they deserve.
“I’m delighted that Dementia Jersey will continue to provide these sessions as we
know that The Meeting Place Project provides invaluable support for Islanders as
they navigate their diagnosis.”
Claudine Snape, Dementia Jersey CEO, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Health and
Care Jersey and the Government of Jersey for their continued support. This renewed
funding ensures that people living with dementia can access the help they need in a
supportive and stimulating environment. We’ve seen firsthand the difference the
Meeting Place Project makes, and we’re proud to continue this vital work across the
island.”
To apply or to find out more, please contact the Meeting Place Coordinator Dan Du
Heaume by emailing: Dan@dementia.je​ or call 01534 723519.​
gov.je