Start a Dementia Active Group
A Suitable Venue
You will need a venue that is safe, welcoming, and accessible.
A suitable venue should ideally include:
- Step-free access where possible
- Accessible toilets
- Space for seated group sessions and activities
- A calm and comfortable environment
- Parking or local transport access where possible
- A large screen or TV for displaying Dementia Active session content
Volunteer Drivers
Transport can be a major barrier for people living with dementia and their families. In some areas, volunteer drivers may be needed to help people attend regularly.
This may include:
- Helping people travel to and from the group
- Supporting a simple local transport plan
- Making attendance easier for people who might otherwise be isolated
In-Session Volunteers
Local Referral Pathways
Each group will need dependable volunteers to help create a warm and well-run session.
Volunteers may help with:
- Welcoming attendees and carers
- Supporting activities and conversation
- Setting up and packing away
- Helping people feel comfortable and included
- Assisting with refreshments and practical tasks
Local Referral Pathways
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
Local Referral Pathways
A strong group needs local people to know it exists. Before launch, it is helpful to identify nearby referral sources.
These may include:
- GP practices
- Memory clinics
- Adult social care teams
- Social prescribers
- Hospital discharge teams
- Carer support services
- Local charities and community organisations
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
Dementia Active will provide downloadable session content to help groups deliver consistent, engaging sessions.
We can also help local leads understand:
- Venue requirements
- Volunteer roles
- Session setup needs
- Referral pathways to consider
- The practical steps involved in getting started
Who Might Run a Group
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
How Dementia Active Supports Groups
You may be a good fit to start a Dementia Active group if you are:
- A community organiser
- A local charity or community organisation
- A venue operator
- Someone with experience supporting older people or carers
- A person motivated to bring practical dementia support into your area
Running the Group
People interested in running a Dementia Active centre or group will need to think about the right operating model for them.
Some may choose to work as self-employed sole traders. Others may decide to set up a limited company. This decision affects legal and financial responsibilities, so anyone considering this step should review official UK guidance and consider taking independent professional advice.
Useful official guidance
- Sole trader: https://www.gov.uk/set-up-as-sole-trader
- Limited company responsibilities: https://www.gov.uk/running-a-limited-company
- Company director guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/being-a-company-director
How It Works
Who Might Run a Group
Who Might Run a Group
Tell us about your area and your interest in starting a group.
Step 2:
Identify a suitable local venue and consider the volunteer support available.
Step 3:
Map the nearest referral sources for people living with dementia.
Step 4:
Work with Dementia Active to understand session delivery and content needs.
Step 5:
Prepare for launch and begin building local awareness.
Who Might Run a Group
Who Might Run a Group
Who Might Run a Group
You may be a good fit to start a Dementia Active group if you are:
- A community organiser
- A local charity or community organisation
- A venue operator
- Someone with experience supporting older people or carers
- A person motivated to bring practical dementia support into your area