I would like to tell you about our registered little charity called Gwennie’s Getaways, which is committed to providing short term breaks to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia and their family or carers. Our beautiful static caravan is based at Primrose Valley, a seaside resort on the East Coast in Filey. The caravan is double glazed and has a full central heating system keeping it warm and cosy in the cooler months. It has disabled access, two bathrooms and is fully equipped with the usual home comforts allowing for a comfortable and restful stay.
Going on holiday can be extremely beneficial and enjoyable for people affected by Dementia and their carers, the majority of these are over 65 years of age. A short break away can offer new experiences and a rest from the daily routines. There is a common trend where it is thought that a carer will prefer a respite break away from the person that they are caring for. In a lot of circumstances, this isn’t the case and what they really want is to spend some much-needed quality time together.
It is expected that people can manage their own care needs or will have someone with them who can support them with this, usually a family member or friend who wants to share the experiences that our short breaks can bring. Our aim is to allow both the patient and the carer to relax in and around the beautifully landscaped holiday park amongst lakes, lawns, fountains, and fabulous views. With a beach just minutes away, on-site indoor swimming pools, a boating lake, sport, and leisure activities this is a perfect break for everyone.
Gwennie’s Getaways didn’t just come from nowhere, it has a bigger sister charity called Ruddi’s Retreat (founded in 2012) that offers the same respite breaks for children living with cancer and life limiting illnesses. Due to the ages of the children Ruddi’s Retreat caters for, there were occasions when the caravans were standing empty in term time and so Gwennie’s Getaways was born. Staff members had completed Dementia training months prior, and all had become Dementia Friends and so it seemed a perfect opportunity to help more people that really needed our care and compassion.
We have committed to helping those in our local area and have set up a popular Memory Café at The Watershed (Slaithwaite) on a Tuesday from 11am till 2pm. This is completely free to attend and we provide a two-course lunch aswell as endless hot drinks and biscuits.
We have visits from professionals and guests providing regular entertainment.
When we started The Memory Cafe sometimes, we only had 1 or 2 people attending and now we regularly see 26 people each week.
The Chatty Café
Every Thursday (during term time) at Ruddi's 10am - 12pm come join us for a morning of chatting. Combating loneliness with chatter and natter.
The Chatty Café is the UK's leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness.
Anybody over the age of 18 can come along without booking.
