Celebrating five years of friendship, laughter and support

A COMMUNITY support group for younger people living with dementia has celebrated its fifth anniversary with music, games, cream tea and a special visit from its four-legged mascot.

The Young Ones recently marked five years of supporting people with dementia and their families at Claremont Manor in Dawlish, which generously provides the group with a room to meet.

The not-for-profit Community Interest Company was founded by Lia Tucker after she discovered there was little local support available for younger people diagnosed with dementia.

Lia, a founding member, said: ‘Five years ago I was working as a dementia advisor and I was asked to make contact with a woman in her early sixties who had just been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

‘Before I spoke to her I tried to find out what support was available for her locally and found there was nothing.

‘I had to be honest with her and suggested that perhaps she might like to meet up to see what younger people with dementia wanted and needed.

‘She readily agreed, we started with a little group of four people and this grew into what is now The Young Ones’.

The organisation now runs two peer support groups, meeting monthly in Dawlish and Paignton.

The groups provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for younger people with dementia and their carers, with a person-centred approach that focuses on the individual rather than their diagnosis.

Members can share their experiences and feelings in a safe and confidential environment, while carers can also access flexible support by telephone, Zoom and through visits.

The service is currently supported by National Lottery funding, meaning the groups are free for those who attend.

The Young Ones has also benefited from the generosity of the local community.

Among its supporters are members John and Karen Pearce, who have organised fundraising events at Teignmouth Social Club over the years.

One carer described the group as ‘a shining light’ during her mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s.

She said the group had provided somewhere her mother could feel ‘understood, supported and safe to be herself’, adding that being part of a group offering ‘friendship, laughter and comfort’ was invaluable following what can be an extremely frightening diagnosis.

The fifth anniversary celebrations reflected that spirit, with music, silly games and a cream tea enjoyed by members and supporters.

Gus the dog, The Young Ones’ mascot, was also on hand to keep a watchful eye on proceedings.

The Young Ones is open to anyone under the age of 70 with a diagnosis of dementia, as well as their families and carers.

For more information, visit www.theyoungones.org.uk or email Lia at [email protected]