Terrific Tuesdays

08/10/2025

Great informative session with local man Jack Vernon 07/10/2025 see photo with members of the Terrific Tuesdays Dementia Club.

He set up Dementia Life CIC after his mum was diagnosed with early-onset dementia to help others in the area!

He realised how often people had to cope alone with little help from the GP, and with excruciatingly long waits for even an actual diagnosis of the problem! Ironically, the quicker the diagnosis, the more that can be done to slow the deterioration of the condition!

Jack wanted to try and do something positive, get people together, share stories and learn from each other. Yesterday was a great success, and we all look forward to seeing Jack again real soon🤩

05/10/2025

This amazing individual, Jack Vernon, who founded Dementia Life CIC is coming to talk to us on Tuesday, 7th October, at West End Church Withersfield Road, Haverhill CB9 9LA, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

It is a Tuesday session you'll not want to miss. A young lad from our town of Haverhill, whose Mum has been through the Dementia journey, so is aware of the problems we face on a day-to-day basis.

Inviting all TT members to come along & in an open discussion, we'll be able to discuss our problems and maybe find solutions!

For further details, please get in touch with Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com

26/09/2025

TUESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER, we've organised a fabulous visit from Debbie of Snobbyeddy Crafts. We will be at the West End Church, Withersfield Road, Haverhill CB9 9LA from 11:00 - 2:00

We're a wonderful, friendly, affordable club for anyone living with dementia, their family or their carers & costs £2 per person [ without a joining fee,] including all your hot & cold drinks, biscuits, a slice of cake when we celebrate someone's birthday & the cost of weekly activities!

Having lost a great volunteer recently, we need another or even two, so if you enjoy & like helping others, pop in & see us!

For further details, please contact Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com

20/09/2025

Hope everyone's making the most of a warm sunny weekend, next week is more autumnal, although thankfully the sun is still with us.

TUESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER we're at the Chestnut Room, in the Burton Centre above Haverhill Library as it's our BINGO week, everyone's favourite activity with lots of prizes waiting to be won!

At just £2 pp it covers all your hot & cold drinks, a selection of biscuits & TWO GAMES of BINGO, prizes for a top line & full house!

Do you have concerns about your own memory, or care for someone with a memory loss condition? Join us, you can try us out for FREE as on your first session is on us, so have nothing to lose!

VOLUNTEERS preferably with an interest or background in memory loss are always valued & WANTED by the group. You don't have to committ to every Tuesday or even to all of the session but please contact the group & come & meet us [ preferably when we are meeting at the West End Church, where there is far more space! ]

For further details contact Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com

17/09/2025

Anyone caring for a loved one with dementia goes through ' the long goodbye' as they die many times before finally departing this world. Make the most of the time you have, by telling them how much they are loved

Thank you Jameson Arasi

Gary Sturgis -

16/09/2025

'Dementia is not just about memory loss'. This is the third thing we want everyone to know about dementia.

Memory problems are a common early sign of dementia, but not for everyone. A person with early-stage dementia might ask for the same information repeatedly or forget something they were recently told. But dementia can also affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.

Every person’s experience is unique and with greater understanding, we can all help make our communities more inclusive and supportive. Learn more about this by becoming a Dementia Friend at dementiafriends.org.uk

14/09/2025

Supporting someone with dementia presents unique challenges that can feel overwhelming.’

Hollie, our Dementia Helpline Adviser, shares her guidance for families caring for a loved one with dementia:

‘We receive thousands of calls to our dementia helpline every month, and we know the period before, during, and after diagnosis is particularly difficult for families.

‘Here are my top tips for supporting a loved one with dementia:

1. Reassure them that they’re still them

‘Dementia can knock a person’s confidence. Let them know you still think of them as the person they’ve always been and focus on what they can do and how they can still contribute.’

2. Try to understand changes in behaviour

‘Try to work out why they’re upset and provide as much reassurance as you can. Use gentle persuasion where you can or provide a distraction or change the topic of conversation.’

3. Keep up relationships with family and community

‘It’s important to try to keep existing relationships going. Join social groups, community activities, or visit dementia cafés where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.’

4. Adapt your communication style

‘Be patient and use short, simple sentences. Maintain eye contact and use non-verbal communication, such as smiles and physical gestures. But never use infantilising or patronising language.’

5. Prioritise your own wellbeing

‘Seek help and support - whether through friends and family, local dementia support groups, and/or health and social care professionals. Everyone needs regular breaks to recharge their batteries and continue to do the things they love.’

If you support or have supported someone living with dementia, what would you add to this list?

11/09/2025

On TUESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER, we're back at the West End Church, Withersfield Road, Haverhill CB9 9LA from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

We will be joined by Ben, a nurse from the Health centre, who will talk to us about falls, how to cope & other matters that will arise.

Hannah will also be returning from Shaftesbury Icanho Suffolk Memory Dementia Support to meet with our members who have requested a one-to-one meeting with her.

Membership is £2 per week, with no joining fee!! It covers hot & cold drinks, biscuits & a slice of cake when we celebrate a birthday.

Unfortunately, no lunch is available this week due to half of our volunteers being on holiday! So please bring lunch with you on this occasion. Hot & Cold drinks & biscuits will be provided as usual.

If you'd like to join our team of fabulous volunteers, please drop in to see us or phone Dennis for info. You'll love being part of us!🙂

For further details, contact Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com

05/09/2025

We will be meeting next at Haverhill Arts Centre High Street, Haverhill on Tuesday 9th September, from 11:00 am, so we can all watch the special Dementia Screening of the great film PRIDE & PREJUDICE, marking the 30th anniversary of this epic film!

Story originally written by Jane Austen. The film features a star-studded cast, including Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, James Fleet and Hugh Grant.

If you have concerns about memory loss conditions, for yourself or a loved one, why not find out more about the Terrific Tuesdays Dementia Club?

We charge members just £2 per week attended, which covers all your drinks during the session, biscuits & any entertainment or activity. A slice of cake, when we celebrate a birthday, too!🎂🍰

We are a friendship group offering support & practical advice on navigating dementia charities & support for both the person with the condition & their loved ones, the often forgotten unpaid carer.

We are organised & run by volunteers who have all cared for someone with a Dementia or a memory loss condition, so you'll be greeted with empathy & complete total understanding.

If you've questions or need information, contact Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com

24/02/2025

TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY means it's the last one in the month so it's BINGO at The Burton Centre, Camps Road, Haverhill [ above Haverhill Library] from 11 am - 2 pm as this week's main entertainment.

The group is for anyone living with a memory loss condition like Alzheimer's and is affordable at just £2 pp covering drinks with a refill and biscuits.

For further information contact Dennis Wendell:-
01440 768404
07774 412736
dwendell@btinternet.com