Move to Thrive: A New Community Project supporting people with dementia and their carers
New initiative, Move to Thrive aimed at supporting people living with dementia and their carers across the Borough through the power of movement, music, and community connection kicks off these specialist sessions weekly from next Tuesday.
Developed in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council’s Public Health and Adult Social Care teams, Forum 50+, Community Resource, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, and The Alzheimer’s Society, the project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. The programme was shaped through extensive consultation with local organisations and stakeholders.
Specialist sessions include
Group Movement to Music Sessions
Specially designed for people with dementia and their carers, these sessions are led by qualified instructors and include time for socialising and refreshments.
Tuesdays, 10:45am – 12:00pm with Kiddleydivey
Thursdays, 1:30pm – 2:45pm with Mind Body Balance
Location: Oakengates Rest Rooms, Charlton Street, Oakengates, TF2 6BS
Cost: £5 per person with dementia (carers attend free)
Booking essential via referral or self-referral:
📞 01743 360641 | 📧 enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
Support Workers ‘Buddy System’
For those needing help attending sessions, trained support workers are available to accompany participants. Contact the team to learn more or to book support.
In-Home Activity Sessions
For individuals unable to attend group sessions, a bespoke Movement to Music session can be delivered at home for just £5. Bookings can be made via referral or self-referral.
Activities for People with Early-Onset Dementia
Tailored sessions are also available for those diagnosed with early-onset dementia (under 65). For more information, contact the team directly.
Volunteer Opportunities
Move to Thrive is seeking volunteers to help welcome and support attendees at group sessions. Volunteers will receive dementia awareness training and travel expenses.
Interested individuals should contact:
Sue Chalk, Community Resource
📧 Sue.chalk@community-resource.org.uk | 📞 01743 342161
Training Opportunities
To ensure the project’s long-term impact, a range of training courses are available:
• For professionals working with people with dementia and their carers
• For physical activity instructors to enhance session accessibility
• For carers, offering simple exercises to do at home
• For volunteers and staff supporting the project
To learn more about training, email: 📧 healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
Booking and Further Information
To book a place on any Move to Thrive activity or to find out more, please contact:
📞 01743 360641 | 📧 enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
🌐 Visit: https://healthytelford.com/move-to-thrive/
This project has been co-designed by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Public Health and Adult Social Care teams, Forum 50+, Community Resource, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, and The Alzheimer’s Society, the project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. It is supported by ALOC, Community Learning & Employment, Dementia Care Partnership Group, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, the Dementia Carer Group for Telford and Wrekin, STW Dementia Action Alliance, Energize STW, Elevate, Dementia UK, Fit4All, The Dementia Assessment and Support Service, Telford Patients First, plus people with lived experience, carers, ex-carers and local activity providers.