Welcome
Welcome to our 13th edition of Living Well magazine. At the point of writing this edition, summer has certainly arrived hitting highs of 30 degrees here in the South.
Our magazine is going from strength to strength, distributing to more drop off points, and organisations, charities and social prescribers all using this magazine as a signposting tool to local groups, support and activities in our local community.
We would love to hear where you pick your copy up from, and what you look forward to reading the most? Is there a topic or article you would like to read, or are we missing a group or activity running that should be included? Do get in touch and let us know. This is a community magazine, with community at the forefront of what we do.
As in previous editions, you will find an ever growing What’s on section, interesting editorial articles, important contact numbers and lots more to keep you busy and active this coming season. What’s inside?
This edition has lots of new activities added, from social groups, craft groups and carer support among other one-off events such as open days, quiz nights etc. This edition takes us through to the end of November.
Are you a keen sports person but don’t think team sport is for you any longer? Well think again. We have a wonderful article about Wimborne Town Football club Walking Football team. Have a read and get yourself signed up.
We would love to hear from you! If you wish to contribute to this publication, please contact via community@fcdouch.co.uk.
Contributions can include upcoming events, experiences, photographs, articles or submissions for us to consider.
Thank you!
We would like to continue our ongoing thanks to Promedica24 Dorset & Hampshire for their continued financial support and contribution to the magazine.
Thank you also goes to any organisation that has placed an advert in this edition and to those that stock our magazine so that the community can benefit from picking up their FREE copy of Living Well across their local town or village.
You are all helping us build an inclusive and knowledgeable community.
Best Regards
From the steering committee/publication partners
Front cover picture was taken at the Stress Busters Summer Party. See page 34 for further details.
Contents
Publication Partners:
Emma Regan
Douch Family Funeral Directors / Editor of Living well Magazine
Michael Deane Chair of Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town
Tracie Jackson
St Nicholas & St Hubert Church, Corfe Mullen
Sue Tipping Chair of Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community
Lynne Morris Chair of West Moors Dementia Action Group
Mark Müller
Regional partner ProMedica 24
DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND SALES
Production Manager
Ben Pulford | ben@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Lead Designer
Louis Pulford | louis@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Graphic Designer
Dexter Elliott | designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Media Sales
Simon Thornton | simon@dorsetview.co.uk
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing, also sometimes known as community referral, is a means of enabling health professionals to refer to a range of local, non-clinical services. The referrals generally, but not exclusively, come from professionals working in primary care settings, for example, GPs or practice nurses.
“What matters to you?”
Crane Valley PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice, The Verwood Surgery and West Moors Village Surgery.
Poole North PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Hadleigh Practice, The Harvey Practice, Birchwood Practice and Canford Heath Group Practice.
Wimborne and Ferndown PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Old Dispensary Surgery, Walford Mill Medical Centre, Quarterjack Surgery in Wimborne, Penny's Hill Surgery and Orchid House Surgery in Ferndown.
Corfe Mullen Community Aid (COMCA)
COMCA is a voluntary car scheme charity for residents in the Corfe Mullen parish.
COMCA is a locally based charity offering, among other services, a voluntary car scheme for medical appointments (including hospitals, doctors, dentist and optician).
Please also visit our Important Contacts on P38 for
Eligibility: Anyone who is without transport.
Cost: Donation.
Tel: 07835 809814
Days of operation: Anytime if a driver is available.
Vehicles: Volunteers’ own vehicles.
Areas served: Corfe Mullen only.
Walking Football
What is walking football you may be asking?
Walking football is aimed at keeping people aged over 40 involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or for other reasons, they are not able to play the traditional game. The sport can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Walking Football is an extremely popular team sport which is suitable for all levels of fitness and ability.
Below are details of Wimborne Town Walking Football Club and how you can get involved: Whether you are a veteran 5-a-sider or have never kicked a ball, Wimborne Football Club welcome you and assure you of fun and a friendly game.
Every game is different and teams are picked on the day, with the pitch size varied depending on how many are playing (yes – we literally move the goal posts).
Walking football takes place on the 3G pitches at the back of Wimborne Town Football Club.
We have been running now for over 10 years and the number of players has grown over that time.
The benefits are tremendous. We have a very inclusive setup, and any ability is very welcome to join in. There is a place for everybody.
It is a mixed event with both men and women playing the game. Everyone is welcome.
It’s a brilliant way to improve your fitness with a group of friendly keen players.
Age is not a problem our eldest player is well into his 80s. Most players tend to be over 60 as games take place in the mornings but anybody over 40 is very welcome.
If you are interested and would like more details get in touch via email and come along for a free session.
Walking Football mixed sessions
Monday – 9:30am to 10:30am Thursday – 9:30am to 10:30am
£5 per session (first session free)
Held on the Wyatt Homes Stadium 3G Pitch
To find out more email karen.teuber@hotmail.com https://wimbornetownfc.co.uk/walking-football-atwimborne-town-fc/
Updates from Dementia Action Week 2025
Dementia Action Week is all about raising awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by dementia.
This May our partners gave their time to either run an event or support an event in their local community.
Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town along with their partners, A E Jolliffe & Son (Douch Family Funeral Directors), Prama Life, Fernhill Dementia Care Home (Colten Care), Bridge Water Care, Parley Place Care Home (Barchester) had a tabletop display within the foyer of St Mary’s Church signposting people to help and support in the local area.
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community were outside the Allendale Centre this year with lots of information and advice for those dropping by asking for support. And a huge shout out to the Museum of East Dorset for such a wonderful display across the front of their building.
West Moors Dementia Action Group were busy each day throughout DAW 2025 with a table of information on West Moors high street. Busy speaking with lots of passers-by and helping raise awareness of the support that is available.
Corfe Mullen - St Nicholas Church, in partnership with Lesley Shand Funeral Service (Douch Family Funeral Directors) and the BSO held a wonderful Cake concert where nearly 60 people enjoyed classical music and cake in a dementia friendly environment.
We want to thank all our partners for their continued help and support
A wealth of information can be found herewww.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptomsand-diagnosis/dementia-symptoms
If you suspect early onset Dementia, a diagnosis is vital to ensure you can access the care, treatment and support you will need.
Nature Buddies: Connecting People to Nature for Better Wellbeing
The Nature Buddies Network is a Dorset-wide initiative that helps people overcome barriers to accessing nature, offering gentle, one-to-one support to build confidence and improve wellbeing. Delivered by Dorset National Landscape in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset, the project pairs trained volunteers - Nature Buddies - with people who may be isolated, anxious or lacking the confidence to engage in outdoor activities alone.
Nature Buddies provide friendly encouragement and support, whether that’s going for a walk, visiting a local green space or enjoying nature-based activities from home. The aim is to reduce loneliness, boost mental health and create a stepping stone into wider community and naturebased opportunities.
This initiative is especially valuable for carers and healthcare professionals seeking accessible, non-clinical support options for those they work with. Nature Buddies can complement social prescribing pathways and offer a personalised approach to getting outdoors.
To learn more about the Nature Buddies Network, make a referral, or explore volunteering opportunities, visit: dorset-nl. org.uk/project/nature-buddies-network or contact Kate on 01305 228246 or email stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
The Nature Buddies Network is a Dorset National Landscape project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.
What is the difference between a Fridge, a Larder and a Foodbank?
“Not a lot” seems to be the standard response, but that is not the case. You might be surprised to learn that whatever your circumstance, you could benefit.
Community Fridges
Ever tried a new flavour of yoghurt, which you don’t like, but it is a pack of four. What do you do with the other three? You can drop them off at a Community Fridge, these are FREE to everyone, accessible by all. The amount and type of food will vary from day to day, and is dependent on perishable waste. So, don’t be afraid of picking up something when you drop off those nasty yoghurts!
Community Larders
A membership programme that provides access to surplus groceries (store cupboard items and fruit and
vegetables) at heavily subsidised rates. Organisations often work closely with FareShare to distribute surplus food from supermarkets and businesses. Membership is open to EVERYONE, usually within a certain postcode catchment. Sometimes there is a charge, or a minimum spend is required.
Foodbanks
Provide emergency food (3-5 days’ worth) to people who find themselves in crisis, often via a referral system.
Community Food Suppliers / Social Supermarkets
Available for people in crisis within the area of the provision. Registration is required and it is for those on low or no incomes. Open more frequently providing perishable foods and often used daily.
Community Fridges (Food Waste reduction)
Ferndown, Poole, West Howe, Bournemouth
Community Food Suppliers
Ferndown, Poole, Wimborne
Food Banks
Corfe Mullen, Ferndown, Wimborne, Verwood
Community Larders
West Moors, Ferndown
There is more detailed information for the above and where they are located at the helpandkindness website; www.helpandkindness.co.uk/search/Dorset/community+fridge
BSO Cake Concert – The Teatime Trio
Specifically developed for people living with dementia, but open to all, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Cake Concerts are relaxed chamber performances in informal, social environments, combining easy-listening repertoire with tea, coffee and cake.
Cake Concerts offer a ready demonstration of music’s power to connect people, rekindle relationships with loved ones, and even recall past experiences. However, for many people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, it can be almost impossible to attend a traditional evening concert. Accessible Cake Concerts fill the gap, catering to people’s needs and ensuring everyone can experience the joy of live music
The BSO’s teatime trio – consisting of flute, harp and cello – perform a selection of works including popular classical hits and light film music, while audience members enjoy tea, a slice of cake and good company. All are welcome, whether living in the
community or in care and residential homes. These events have a profound effect on movement and communication amongst audience members, creating a positive shared experience for all who attend. One of our supporters and Cake Concert audience members, Richard Hesketh, wrote a lovely triolet for the teatime trio after attending one of our Cake Concerts:
The Teatime Trio
In a gentle concert, so full of delight, They played the harp, the flute and cello; The music was charming and lively and bright In a gentle concert, so full of delight. Homemade cake with sponge gold and light, And beautiful tunes that were warm and mellow; In a gentle concert, so full of delight, They played the harp, the flute and cello.
In addition to holding our own concerts, we work closely with community partners in Ferndown, Wimborne and Corfe Mullen. The most recent concert, organised with support from Douch Family Funeral Directors, was hosted at St Nicholas Church in Corfe Mullen – a wonderful event where around 60 attendees enjoyed the music, cake and a relaxed atmosphere. This concert was put together by many different organisations working together. A true collaboration of local business, organisations, charities and volunteers. Drop by our website for future events to secure your tickets - https://bsolive.com/projects/cake-concerts/
© Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Welcome to Carers Conversation
Our pages are designed to help you, as a carer, step out of your carer role and find time for yourself.
Some activities are all-absorbing and help you forget the many tasks and concerns which you encounter as a carer. Singing or playing a musical instrument, team sport and painting are good examples. You have to concentrate on the task and forget your worries. Solitary activities can be good for relaxation, but can allow negative feelings to crowd in, so see what works for you. Activities arranged specifically for carers give you the opportunity to chat with others about possible solutions to problems, or just let out a
bit of the frustration we all feel with others who understand and won’t judge. But sometimes, an activity where no-one knows you are a carer can be a place to be known for yourself: it’s up to you to choose.
Have a look at the ‘What’s On’ listings. As well as activities outlined in the Carers’ Support section, have a look at the ‘Sports and Leisure’ section, which has some activities aimed at carers, the ‘Craft Groups’ section and the ‘Music and Choir’ section. Relax and enjoy!
Do you care for someone living with Dementia?
Oakley Friends runs a monthly support group for carers as well as a twice-yearly Carer information Course featuring ten top topics to help making caring easier.
We will give you appropriate support and advice including: dementia awareness, memory assessment, continence, benefits and legal advice, aids and adaptations etc.
To book your place contact: Project Coordinator Keith Gubbins keith.gubbins@prama.uk / 07999 402114 / 01202 804 914
Chitter Chatter Club
Founded by Anne Anderson post lock down this extremely successful programme now reaches over 2,000 people, with over 13,800 attendees to date. Guests can pop in whenever they like to one of the 7 cafes, pubs or care homes, ensuring there are always new faces and friendships to form. Current locations include Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Broadstone, Christchurch, Weymouth, Wimborne, Parley Cross, Ferndown, St Leonards and Canford. For more details or to sign up for a FREE monthly Newsletter contact thechitterchatterclub.co.uk / thechitterchatterclub@gmail.com / 07986 323789
Oakley Friends Stress Busters
A carers support group where you can meet like-minded people in a similar situation to you. Occasional guest speakers and friendly meetings. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 2pm – 3.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown. For details please phone Janet on 01202 875495 / Kath on 01202 892518
– Online self-help tool for Carers
“At Bridgit Care we wrap our arms around family carers. We care for you, so you can care for them”
Bridgit is a free online tool designed to support you in your caring role. It’s available 24/7 and helps you find the right advice, information, and services – all in one place.
With Bridgit, you can build your own self-help plan online by selecting topics relevant to you. It gives you access to NHS advice to learn about the condition of the person you are caring for. You can find and connect with local support groups and events, and through smart referrals, let your GP or local council know about your caring role so they can offer the right support. You can also apply for a Dorset Carer Friendly ID Card through the platform.
Bridgit brings together support from a wide range of organisations, so you don’t have to search around. It’s designed to complement existing services and make it easier to get the help you need,
when you need it.
Whether you’re just starting your caring journey or have been caring for a while, Bridgit is here to support you.
There are more than 6.5 million carers in the UK. Many of them are unknown to organisations and professionals and do not receive support in their caring role or personal lives.
Bridgit Care aims to change this.
“Taking care of someone can be tough and it can leave you with no time to look after yourself. Bridgit Care is here to help. We’ll take care of you, so you can take care of them.” Bridgit Care
For further information please contact https://bridgit. care/ There are links to ‘Bridgit Self-Help’ (Access instant & personalised support) and ‘Ask Bridgit’ (Chat with your virtual carer coach).
St Nicholas & St Hubert’s Church, Corfe Mullen
Our church praises itself on being a fully inclusive space for the community of Corfe Mullen and the surrounding area.
Our church is a hive of activity for many different groups. Groups such as social clubs, coffee mornings, community lunch, fusion Dementia Friendly choir, knit
WIMBORNE DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
Wimborne is a town which is proud to be increasingly dementia-friendly. Dementia Action Week ran from 19th to 25th May and the pillar box outside Morrison’s was topped with forget-me-nots once again. On Friday 23rd May, amongst the hubbub of market day, a table outside the Allendale Centre supplied information booklets with help and advice for people living with dementia and their carers. Visitors were able to chat with volunteers and get pointers for their particular needs. Many people left donations, too. We would like to thank the Allendale Centre for help with a prominent site, furniture and cups of coffee!
Also for Dementia Action Week, the Museum of East Dorset covered all its windows with forget-menots, over 9,000 individually knitted and crocheted, large and small, mounted together as collages and flowing shawls. Forget-me-nots were produced by people from as far away as Glasgow and Lancashire. The initiative came from MED volunteer Sally Palmer who helps with the innovative Reminiscence outreach project, whereby evocative museum artefacts and exhibits are used to stimulate memories for elderly people and especially those living with dementia. For more detail about the project and the dementia-friendly
& natters and many more. All fully inclusive including Dementia Friendly.
Many of our activities can be found in the What’s on sections of this magazine, so please do have a read. For further information please contact Tracie on 01202 602948 / parishofcorfemullen.church/
part of Growing Compassionate Communities Registered Charity Number
activities at MED, go to museumofeastdorset.co.uk or call in at the Museum on High Street. The Tea Room and award-winning garden can be reached via the Crown Mead entrance.
Museum of East Dorset hosts several activities for people with dementia and their carers, including those run by In Jolly Good Company. Their Jolly Days activities happen on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month. See the ‘What’s On’ section for full details. In Jolly Good Company also has an allotment at Kingston Lacy, where a group meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month to tend the vegetable plot, sit and chat, harvest vegetables or pick flowers. As well as gardening, art, crafts, live music, storytelling and gentle yoga are on offer, with refreshments. More details in ‘What’s On’ and on the website.
Another venue reaching out to the community is Harleston House, Wimborne, a member of Abbeyfield Wessex. They are offering Coffee and Cake on Monday mornings, a daily Lunch Club and Crafting on Wednesday afternoons. See the ‘What’s On’ section and the website wessex.abbeyfield.com for full details. WDFC can be contacted at wimbornedfcommunity@gmail.com
FERNDOWN DEMENTIA
FRIENDLY TOWN
part of Growing Compassionate Communities
The very minimum requirement of the Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town Steering group, is to understand what it is like to live with dementia not only for those diagnosed, but for their carers too, and to try and help make life a little easier, or the services available more accessible.
It is essential to find out more from those with dementia, and their families and carers, about the experiences of living in our community, where they feel supported and where improvements can be made. This feedback can and will direct the actions of the steering group. Please feel free to email me on michaeldeane1@hotmail.com with any comments, concerns or questions you may have.
I am extremely pleased and honoured to announce that we have been chosen by Fernhill Dementia Care Home as their Charity of the Year. Fernhill and their team are fundraising throughout 2025 for Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town and we express our sincere thanks ongoing.
WEST MOORS DEMENTIA
ACTION GROUP
The Dementia Action Week in May we had an information stand on Station Road, our main shopping street, with many good conversations, handing out much literature - plus free cakes, courtesy of Brook View Residential Care Home. Our table also had on it one of our new collecting boxes which many noticed and wanted to make a donation. We are grateful too, to the many shops and businesses in West Moors, more than 25, for willingly also having a collection box on their counter during the month of May. Thank you to our amazing shops and businesses for supporting what we are doing and helping to make West Moors dementia friendly. This will certainly make a positive difference to what we are able to do for our community. By the time this edition is published we will have just had WESTIVAL, a family fun day in West Moors, where we hope to connect with many more people and assist in pointing then to the help and support they need. In September we are hoping to launch a new activity - Art for Dementia, but are in the process of
trying to access some grant funding to enable this to happen. Do keep an eye out if this is something you or your loved one might find relaxing and helpful. No previous experience necessary.
What are your childhood memories of Summersun, sea, sand, countryside? What are your memories of Autumn - harvest, leaves turning from green to many shades of golden and red?
Do enjoy these warmer days and then the gradual changing autumnal colours, aroma of ripening fruits, falling leaves and bonfires in the months ahead.
For more information contact West Moors Dementia Action Group Lynne on 07485 294507 / lynnemorrislp@btinternet.com
Michael Deane – Chairman Ferndown Dementia Steering Group
Working to become a Dementia Friendly Community
Important contacts
Help & Support lines
Access to Wellbeing dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk
Age UK
0800 678 1174 www.ageuk.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society - www.alzheimers.org.uk
BCP Carer Support
Carers Support Dorset
Citizens Advice
01202 128787 carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk www.bcpcarersupport.org
0800 368 8349 carersupportdorset.co.uk admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk
0800 1448848 edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
Crisp 01202 128787 crispweb.org carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Mind 01202 551660 contact@dorsetmind.uk www.dorsetmind.uk
Dorset Open Door
‘Supporting Bereavement Together’
Help and Care
Help and Care Dementia Co-ordinator Service
01305 361361 dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net
0300 111 3303 contact@helpandcare.org.uk www.helpandcare.org.uk
0300 1231916 memory@helpandcare.org.uk www.helpandcare.org.uk
The Leonardo Trust – Charity No: 1086045 01202 698325 info@leonardotrust.org www.leonardotrust.org
Livewell Dorset - www.livewelldorset.co.uk
Memory Support & Advisory Service 0300 1231916 dorset@alzheimers.org.uk
National Dementia Helpline 0300 2221122
NHS Helpline (Health advice) 111
Community Contacts
Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community
East Dorset Good Neighbours
07715 940548
Peter Jones/peterjonescipn@outlook.com
01202 804003 goodneighbours@prama.org.uk
Ferndown Community Support CIC 01202 936121 www.ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk
Ferndown Dementia Friendly Community
Growing Compassionate Communities
In Jolly Good Company
Oakley Friends - Carer Support
07900 898085 @Ferndowndementiafriendlytown
07715 940548 www.growingcompassion.org.uk peterjonescipn@outlook.com
07884 333117 sarah@injollygoodcompany.com
07999 402114 01202 804914 keith.gubbins@prama.uk
Pramalife 01202 804904 carol.davies@prama.uk
Reach & Care
West Moors Carers Group - Alison
01202 865800
Referrals from GP’s or Carers leads.
West Moors Dementia Action Group 01425 477470 Lynne Morris/lynnemorrislp@btinternet.com
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community - wimbornedfccommunity@gmail.com
Social Prescribers
Crane Valley Network cranevalleypcn.org/ Poole North PCN northconnectpcn.nhs.uk/social-prescribing/ Wimborne and Ferndown PCN pennyshillpractice.co.uk/about-us/pcn/
Transport
COMCA (residents of Corfe Mullen Parish) 07835 809814
Dial a ride Wimborne - darwimborne.ismysite.co.uk
Reach & Care 07715 940548 Peter Jones/peterjonescipn@outlook.com
Wimborne Neighbour Car 07912 273722
