The Hardy Group is centered on DERBY and its surrounding areas and is a thriving group of people living with dementia, current and past carers who through their own experiences support each other along their journey with dementia.
The group has a very wide age range from the under 60’s to the over 90’s!
We hold light-hearted social meetings and organise trips out to help all our members stay socially, physically and mentally active so that they can (and do!) live well with dementia.
Our activities are specifically designed to break down social isolation and improve well-being. Our members have told us that they have given them purpose, broken the stranglehold of their disease and enabled them to be part of a community that understands and cares.
For some, we have enabled them to leave their homes confident that they will be supported, respected and have plenty of fun.
For our carer members, it has provided a break in the relentless duties of caring by providing interesting distractions for the one they care for as well as opportunities for them to share their problems with other members who have a similar experience.
One carer said that “It has given us our lives back”.
Professionals such as local psychiatrists, social workers, the memory assessment service and the dementia support service in Derby actively promote membership of our group to people diagnosed with dementia.
Last year saw us pick up a Foundation Derbyshire Community Award. So far this year we have been a finalist in the Derby Evening Telegraph Carer of the Year Awards and have picked up an award from the Freemasons Provincial Lodge of Derbyshire in their inaugural community awards.
We are voluntary organisation funded by grants, donations and fundraising activities. We have an annual membership fee of £5 per person and we do ask for a small donation towards the cost of our coach trips.
Recognised as “Dementia Friendly” by the Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Action Alliance.