Massage for People Living with Dementia

16/11/2025

And we’re in the Sunday Mirror - full page exclusive…

With thanks to the wonderful Brian Cox OBE who joined our growing list of supporters including the wonderful Anna Maxwell Martin, Richard Hope, Peter Stefanovic, Michael Spicer Rachel Parris

We will never give up. Not until the government reverse the cuts, conduct an independent and robust consultation with the sector and families, and make the ASGSF a permanent, ring-fenced fund.

We love our children. And they deserve so much better from this government. The evidence is there, they do not need to wait. Government rhetoric is not the reality.

Sign our open letter here:

https://asgsfprotest.com/add-your-signature-an-open-letter-to-josh-macalister-mp-minister-for-children-and-families/

16/11/2025

We wanted to let you know about a lovely community event being hosted by The Companionship Café at the Princess Pavilion this month, and you’re warmly invited to come along.

This is a relaxed and supportive space to make a personalised ornament in memory of someone, a loved one, friend, neighbour, or even a much-loved pet.

There will be plenty of materials available, but you are welcome to bring a small photo or image if you’d like to include it in your decoration.

You don’t need to be “crafty”, just come as you are. The focus is on being together, remembering, and creating with care.

All ages are welcome.

We hope this gathering offers moments of comfort, creativity, and community as we move into the winter season.

15/11/2025

Here's what I love about my 1 day course ...
all are welcome.
You don't need to be qualified BUT
I've watched people who weren't qualified bodyworkers become motivated to change careers,
go and get qualified with some of the excellent schools around the UK,
blend their education with their life experience,
and go on to offer the most extraordinary service within their communities.
Here's a shout out to some of those schools one of which is where I am offering my training today:
Jing Institute of Massage & Complementary Medicine
The 4Elements Company
North London School of Sports Massage

The Federation of Holistic Therapists accredited
"When words escape us, touch says it all"

15/11/2025

Good mornin lovelies

14/11/2025

When in Londons why not stay in a place with a view with all it's shades of grey...

14/11/2025

As Penny Garner said... mental gymnasts!

Learning to adapt and pivot can be one of the most helpful skills when dealing with dementia.

In our free, closed FB group "The Purple Sherpa Basecamp", you'll find people who understand, a safe space to vent, and road-tested advice.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

14/11/2025

As they say in my homeland
it's a dreich day to travel.
But travel I will as the next stop is North London School of Sports Massage for tomorrow's training on connecting with compassion with people living with dementia... on their terms

14/11/2025

This article covers so many benefits of Massage, one that stood out for me was a subject that came up in yesterday's training with NHS Practitioners is that it reminds us of our human-ness... and that
'those who might get the most out of it are “those who may not regularly experience healthy touch”.'

While they can be seen as a luxury, massages are often part of healthcare – here’s how they affect physical and mental health

14/11/2025

Empowering..

I lost my keys yet again and had absolutely no recollection of when I last had them, or even where I had been recently and where I could possibly have left them. But all was well as my son had helped get Apple AirTags for me, which I had attached to different important items - my phone, my hand bag, and my keys.

So I was able to locate them immediately and find them. It is so reassuring to me to know that I can find these items again so easily.

14/11/2025

Yesterday was a joy!
Bristol, Avon and Somerset communities and nursing homes are lucky to have such passionate and dedicated NHS teams supporting people living with dementia.
It filled my heart to hear such enthusiastic discussions on who they would offer their new Therapeutic Touch skills to within their communities.

This nonverbal form of engagement can reduce stress, reduce the need for medication and brings the human connection and nurturing touch back into dementia care.
When words escape us, touch really does say it all.

Laurel is a wonderfully compassionate NHS Nurse who specialises in supporting people who live with dementia. This is what Laurel said ...

13/11/2025

Very few resources exist for children and young people who have a parent living with young onset dementia.

Dementia UK want to put this right and would like to speak to children and young people aged 13-25 who have past or present experience with a parent who has dementia. Their thoughts and experiences will help the charity to shape resources it hopes to create in the future.

✉️ If you’d like to find out more about the project, please email Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People, Hannah Gardner, at childrenandyoungpeoplecan@dementiauk.org. If you’re under 16, please ask your parent or guardian to email on your behalf.

13/11/2025

This government, another government slashing support for the most vulnerable in society. So far we've had adoptive families, elders, disabled people, people living with dementia... who next?
Perran Moon for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle

Yesterday, the campaign team met with the Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister MP, for a hard-won forty five minute meeting. We could not have been more disappointed or concerned for the future of adopted and kinship children.

The cuts to the ASGSF were made without warning, evidence or consultation. The Minister offered no credible explanation for this, and showed no willingness to engage with the impact of those cuts.

It was confirmed that neither the Department for Education nor the Minister are tracking the consequences for children and families, despite the Education Select Committee advising them to do exactly that.

We presented clear evidence of the harm already being felt, the need for timely specialist therapy, and the economic case for maintaining appropriate support.

Despite warnings from the sector, experts and families, decisions continue to ignore the reality on the ground. The Minister did not outline any credible plan, nor did he set out the principles guiding future decisions.

By the end of the meeting it was plain that neither the ASGSF nor the therapeutic needs of adopted and kinship children are being treated as priorities.

We could not have been more disappointed or concerned for the future of adopted and kinship children.



Department for Education
Adoption UK
Kinship
Bridget Phillipson
Rachel Reeves