Dementia Support Project Marks 12 Years After Helping More Than 5,000 People

A not-for-profit dementia support service with groups across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Highcliffe is celebrating its 12th anniversary after helping more than 5,000 people.

The Filo Project, which began with just two groups in Devon in 2014, now operates nearly 100 groups across several parts of England and employs around 90 people.

The organisation expanded into the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area two years ago in response to local demand.

Its model sees trained, paid hosts welcome small groups of people with early to moderate dementia into their homes for the day, providing company, activities and a home-cooked lunch in an informal setting. Transport is also provided where possible.

The approach is designed to give people living with dementia opportunities to socialise, build confidence and maintain independence, while also providing regular respite for family carers.

Carol Scott’s husband attends The Filo Project twice a week.

She says: “My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago. Initially he attended one group every week and then two. Seven years from diagnosis, I am still astonished at the benefits brought by Filo.”

“My husband looks forward to his sessions because he has a stimulating day, likes his hosts and has company which is not me. The fact that we are still able to go on all sorts of holidays is, I believe, the result of his attendance at Filo groups. We go on cruises, self catering holidays and package tours and he participates well in all the activities on offer.”

“The other great benefit is that on two days a week my time is my own. I know my husband is safe, fed and in stimulating company and that he is reliably collected and returned home while I can pursue my own interests and responsibilities.”

Jo Milsom has hosted a Filo Project group in her home for four years.

She says: “I enjoy opening up my home and creating a safe, welcoming space where people feel comfortable, supported and listened to. Every day is different, but at the heart of it all is making it a fun, enjoyable day with no pressure to join in with activities they don’t enjoy or wish to do.

“Each person is an individual and so are their experiences, but when they come together, they listen and support each other which is so lovely to see! I absolutely love all the chat and laughter that goes on, and especially listening to so many interesting stories.”

Alongside its original group model, The Filo Project has expanded into family support and wellbeing services and says it is now developing a new peer support service to connect families facing similar challenges.

Libby Price, CEO and Co-Founder of The Filo Project, says: “Dementia takes so much from families and is incredibly challenging. But people can live a good life for longer if we treat them as the valued person they still are – that’s the whole ethos we’re built on.

“We’re proud to have overcome the challenges of the pandemic and expanded into new areas through local authorities seeking us out. It shows how good quality dementia care and support is so desperately needed.

“We’re now planning a new peer support service where families can meet others going through similar challenges, and working to improve care for people who have dementia and live alone.”

Twelve years after its launch, the organisation continues to expand its support, with its Bournemouth-area groups now forming part of a wider network helping people living with dementia and the relatives who care for them.