On Tuesday 21st May, residents from Rosedale Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, took a joyful trip to Rayleigh Town Centre as part of National Dementia Awareness Week activities.
The trip was all about connection, community, and conversation — giving residents the chance to enjoy a nostalgic outing on public transport while engaging with local businesses and exploring the town’s dementia awareness displays.
Residents Gloria, Clifford and Lenny, who recently became Rosedale Court’s Dementia Champion, joined in for the afternoon adventure.
The residents were warmly welcomed by Sarah, landlady of The Half Moon pub, where they were treated to complimentary hot drinks and an opportunity to admire the beautifully decorated dementia awareness tree.
Lenny, embracing his new role as Dementia Champion, was particularly delighted to share the experience with his peers: “On my first trip as Resident Dementia Champion, it has been lovely to help other residents and show them where I go when I’m in Rayleigh with my own brother. I loved taking everyone for a cup of tea in my favourite Star Cafe.”
After a gentle stroll through the high street, with thanks to friendly local businesses like Bianca’s Fashions and Dogs Trust Rayleigh, the group finished their trip with tea and smiles at Star Cafe before returning home.
The outing was a shining example of how community and inclusion can go hand in hand, especially during national campaigns like Dementia Awareness Week. The outing was an opportunity for residents at Rosedale Court to be part of something important and to feel seen and included, showing that life doesn’t stop with dementia.
Sarah, landlady of The Half Moon, echoed this sentiment, commenting, “It’s been so lovely to meet everyone from Rosedale Court. We’re looking forward to seeing them again soon — it’s great to have these connections in our town.”
