What is a dementia friendly church?- Welcoming hearts and opening minds.
A dementia friendly church is a place where compassion, understanding, and acceptance shines brightly. It is a haven for individuals living with dementia and their dedicated caregivers.
At our church, we embrace the following principles -
Inclusivity and Warmth- We open our doors with open hearts to people living with dementia and their caregivers , creating an environment that welcomes them with open arms.
Guidance and Safety - Our church leadership and congregation members are dedicated to guiding and ensuring the safety and comfort of those with dementia within our sacred spaces.
Embracing Forgetfulness- We understand that dementia can bring moments of confusion and forgetfulness, and in our church, it’s okay to forget. We provide support and understanding when memory falters.
Valued congregation members- Individuals living with dementia and their caregivers are cherished members of our congregation. We ensure that they remain an integral part of our church family, even if they are unable to attend services regularly.
Open dialogue- We foster an environment where the challenges of living with dementia can be openly discussed and addressed, fostering empathy and understanding.
Our Mission
Our mission at River Of Life Church is to dispel the myth associated with people's assumptions about dementia, to actively build a dementia friendly community. Providing a helping hand to help people living with dementia, experience a sense of belonging,well-being, to reduce loneliness and to remove labels. All of which can contribute to the development of a sustainable community.
The Lovejoy Centre
As part of our commitment to fostering a dementia-friendly community, we are proud to work alongside The Lovejoy Centre, our dementia day service, which provides weekly social interaction and engaging activities for older people living with dementia. Housed at River of Life Church in the heart of the community, the centre offers a variety of sessions, including arts and crafts, reminiscence therapy, musical bingo, pet therapy, and magic table activities, alongside regular outings.
Dementia Tech is a small local charity that harnesses technology to engage and support people living with dementia. Recognizing that technology is part of everyday life, our mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with dementia to use it in ways that enhance their well-being. Our work focuses on dispelling myths about dementia, building dementia-friendly communities, promoting citizenship, and improving quality of life through increased choice, independence, and social connection.
Together, Dementia Tech and The Lovejoy Centre are dedicated to reducing loneliness, supporting carers, and changing perceptions around dementia and technology. For more information, please contact Ann Marie Lovejoy at 07735550570.
Pictures from the Lovejoy Centre
