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Aylsham Sycamore tree 640CF

Aylsham church celebrates dementia club anniversary 

2018: Celebrations were held recently for the fifteenth anniversary of Sycamore Tree at Jubilee Family Centre in Aylsham. Sycamore Tree is a club for people with memory problems and related difficulties in daily living, and for their carers.

The club was started in Aylsham in 2003 after it was discovered that there was very little support, at that time, for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and especially for their carers. Following training from local mental health nurses and help from the Alzheimer’s Society, Sycamore Tree was started in March of that year with just one ‘friend’ and their carer.

Aylsham Sycamore tree 200CFLiz Hendon, former team leader for Sycamore Tree recounted “By the end of 2003 we had 11 couples attending Sycamore Tree and so our journey of helping those with memory problems and their carers had truly begun…”.

The anniversary celebration included a brief history of all that has happened at Sycamore Tree over the past fifteen years by leaders Gill Bonner, Liz Hendon and Donna Smith.  A violin recital was given by Viv Cairns, right, which featured well known songs that led to a spontaneous sing-a-long. A buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. One of the carers said “…the buzz of conversation and peals of laughter set the atmosphere for what has become a welcome break in a hard place…”.
Aylsham Jubilee logo 195CF

 

Donna Smith, who currently leads the team of volunteers from Aylsham Community Church that runs Sycamore Tree, said “We aim to provide companionship, support and fun via a variety of activities including quizzes, music, games and opportunities to reminisce in a secure and safe environment”.


If you would like to know more about Sycamore Tree, then please call the Jubilee Family Centre Office on 01263 734801 or visit the website at www.jubileefamilycentre.org


The photo above shows, left to right, Gill Bonner, Donna Smith, Liz Hendon - Sycamore Tree leaders past and present.



TonyRothe150Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

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