Supporting the Friends Of Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group

At The Earl of Southampton Trust, we are dedicated to supporting local organisations that provide essential care and enrichment to our community. One such organisation is the Friends Of Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group, a vital support network for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Trust, the group has been able to expand its programme, offering a variety of activities that bring joy, comfort, and companionship to those who attend.

One organiser said,

'The previous grant of £1000 given to us by The Earl of Southampton Trust has given us so many wonderful opportunities this year.  We held a programme of events including First Aid training, singers, parties, theatre trips, games etc.  I cannot stress how much happiness this has brought our guests and their carers, and how grateful we have been for EOST's support.'

How the Grant Made a Difference for Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group

The funding has helped the Friends Of Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group organise a diverse range of activities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Some of the key events made possible by the grant include:

Guest speakers and safety talks

Including visits from the Fire Service and the Blue Lamp Trust, offering home safety and security checks.

Therapeutic and creative sessions

Such as wool crafts, gentle exercise classes, hand massages, and Playdoh creativity mornings.

Live entertainment

Including music performances by professional singers and singalong sessions with a pianist, lifting spirits and encouraging engagement.

Community outings

Including a dementia-friendly screening of Oliver! at Chichester Festival Theatre, which was a resounding success.

Social gatherings

Such as the Fareham Community Hospital Family Fun Day, where memory group volunteers ran a community café in the hospital foyer, selling drinks, cream teas, and cakes. The event was a huge success, with a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together the local community to support a great cause.

'We run our groups almost every week of the year and this is a time they can switch off, unwind and simply have fun with people who understand what they are going through. The group offers them the opportunity to make new friends and learn from those more experienced in dealing with this illness.  We have a large band of wonderful volunteers, all of whom give an incredible amount of their time to support everyone that comes.'

Beyond these activities, the group provides a lifeline for carers, offering them a space to relax, share experiences, and receive support from others who truly understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

Why This Support Matters

Dementia is a long-term and challenging condition, not just for those diagnosed but for their families and caregivers. The Friends Of Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group runs sessions almost every week of the year, providing a safe and welcoming environment where attendees can feel understood and supported.

As a donation-funded organisation, the Friends Of Fareham Community Hospital Memory Group relies entirely on grants and public generosity to continue its work. The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult to secure funding, yet the need for their services has never been greater.

How The Earl of Southampton Trust Supports Local Organisations

This case study highlights the impact of grants for community organisations and how The Earl of Southampton Trust is committed to enabling projects that improve lives. If your organisation could benefit from financial support, we welcome grant applications from groups providing services that align with our mission of enhancing the quality of life within our local community.

For more information on how to apply, visit our Grants page. Together, we can continue to make a difference.