About the Willow Dementia Group

The Willow Group offers a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can participate in a variety of specialised activities designed to stimulate cognition, promote engagement, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Our staff are specially trained and experienced in dementia support to create a safe, inclusive space tailored to each client’s abilities and preferences. Willow Group is intended to help provide much-needed breaks for carers with the reassurance that their loved one is enjoying themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

Club sessions take place every Friday from 10am-2pm at Friendship House in Hatfield.

What kind of activities do we offer?

Our Willow Group offers a wide range of both group and individual activities which are carefully curated to support cognitive function, memory recall, and emotional expression. Examples could include: .

Food tastings
Gentle physical activities, such as chair exercises and movement to music
Poetry readings
Reminiscence activities using sensory aids and photo archives
Sing-a-long sessions
Quizzes
Crafts

When and where?

Location: Friendship House, Wellfield Close, Hatfield, AL10 0BU
Days: Friday
Time: 10am to 2pm

Eligibility

Our clubs are for people living with mild to moderate dementia.

You can join the clubs if:

You do not require personal care whilst at the club
You are physically mobile, or mobility needs can be supported if possible
You do not have aggressive or violent tendencies towards others
You don’t have a tendency to walk with purpose (i.e. you are comfortable staying in the centre for the duration of the club)

If your needs change while you are a member of the club, we will direct you to other services that offer the right support.

Price & Payment

The charge is £30 per session which includes: a full program of activities for the day; all supplies for the activities and crafts; a two–course hot nutritious lunch; and tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Payment is required at least three days in advance of each session and can be made by bank transfer. Bulk payment for a months sessions can also be taken if preferred.

We understand that from time to time your relative may not be able to attend and so to help us with our organisation (and stop us from worrying) we ask that you inform our Activities Co-ordinator on 07803 752169 by 8.00am on the day if they will not be attending. A charge of £12 will be taken, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Transport can also be arranged through Communities 1st. The charge for this is £10 per day. The preferred method of payment for this is by card by calling their office number on 01727 649 900 at least three days in advance of the group taking place, or alternatively you can pay via bank transfer.

How to get started

If you or your loved one would like to come to our Willow Group sessions or would like more information, please complete the referral form below, or call 0330 2000 103 and follow the options for the Community Hubs.

A member of the team will contact you and ask you some questions to check that Willow Group is right for you. They can then arrange for you to come to a taster session.

Referral Form