"This isn't just a social group, it's friendship, it's support and it's life.”

Together Forever: one woman's determination to build a dementia-friendly community in Glossop

Walk into Bradbury Community House on a Tuesday afternoon and you won’t find the hushed sound of quiet conversation. Instead, the air is filled with the buzz of laughter, lively chatter, and often the uplifting sound of live music. 

This is Together Forever, a dementia-friendly social group that has quickly become a lifeline for local families since it launched in November 2024.  

The group was born out of one woman’s determination to make life better for people in Glossop living with dementia. Founder Jo Craven, whose mum Christine was diagnosed in 2019, recognised a gap in local provision. “My Dad, Derek, was travelling to Tameside just to find a group,” she explained. “I thought, why should families have to travel out of town for something so important? We needed something here, in the heart of Glossop.” 

What started with a handful of members, a generously given bursary from Bradbury House to cover the first 10 sessions, and word-of-mouth promotion on social media, has grown into a thriving and supportive community. Now, every Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm, around 30 members gather to enjoy activities, entertainment and companionship. While they welcome individuals with dementia and their caregivers, they also invite anyone who feels lonely and would appreciate company in a warm, friendly environment.  

The volunteer team, a core group of nine people, most with personal experience of dementia in their families, are the backbone of Together Forever. They understand the challenges and emotions that come with caring for someone with memory loss, and they pour that empathy into every session. 

Andrea, one of the volunteers, told us: “My father-in-law had dementia and I know just how tough it can be for families. I met Jo at a keep-fit class, and when she mentioned starting the group I immediately said I wanted to help. What I love is that people come here and find moments of fun, laughter, and happy memories - even in difficult times.”  

Together Forever is far more than a weekly meeting. In Jo’s words, it is “a safe space, a family and a community of support.” Sessions are designed to be uplifting, and instead of focusing solely on the difficulties of dementia, the emphasis is on what members can do. Jo recalls one particular moment: “A gentleman who usually just sits and naps at home did a whole jigsaw with me one afternoon. His son couldn’t believe it. That activity not only helped his memory and concentration, but also his motor skills. Sometimes all it takes is the right spark to bring someone alive.”  

Each week there’s dancing, games, quizzes, and plenty of singing. A variety of regular performers are booked to keep the programme fresh and engaging – one singer recently delighted the group with songs from Les Misérables. The group also enjoy trips out, such as to Lymefield Garden Centre for afternoon tea.  

The energy at the sessions is infectious. At the recent gathering which the Glossop Chronicle attended, young dancers from Heatherlea Dance School (which Jo owns and runs) performed high-energy routines, after which professional singer Daniel Winters had the whole room clapping, dancing and singing along. Things got so lively that venue staff gently asked for the volume to be lowered - proof, if any was needed, of the joy that Together Forever brings.  

For many, the relationships formed at the group are as important as the activities. Christine, 79, and Cathy, 80, both from Glossop, have been attending for many months and are now firm friends.  

Cathy said: “When you get to our age, it does you good to get out, make new friends and try different things. I’ll give anything a go.”  

Christine wholeheartedly agrees: “I’ve known Jo for a long time and she puts so much effort into this group, I don’t know how she finds the time. I went to another group years ago, but it was quiet. This one is full of life. Jo sets the place alight! With everything she organises there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”  

Both were adamant that newcomers need not feel worried about attending for the first time “We always make new people feel welcome. We make a point of sitting with them and having a talk. We can talk about everything and anything!”  

(Photo: Firm friends Christine and Cathy)

A true testament to the depth of friendships formed, several members continue to attend even after losing their loved ones, finding comfort and purpose in the connections they’ve made. Families of past members have also donated generously, as a heartfelt thank-you for the difference the group has made in their loved ones’ lives.  

Jo herself has shown extraordinary commitment. One member, recently widowed, was deeply moved when Jo surprised him by travelling all the way to Kent to attend his wife’s memorial service. “They had given so much to the group” she explained. “I just wanted him to know how special he is.”  

Running a group like Together Forever takes resources. The costs of venue hire, refreshments, entertainers and trips all add up. While generous donations from families have helped, Jo and her team rely heavily on fundraising in the community, with every penny going directly back into the group’s work. “We did a huge raffle last Christmas” Jo told us. “It raised lots so we’ll repeat that again this year.”  

There is also a current need for volunteer drivers. Many potential members, particularly those in care homes, would love to attend but simply cannot get there. Even offering lifts once in a while could make a world of difference, should people be able to give their time.  

Looking ahead, Jo hopes to apply for official charitable status so Together Forever can access larger funding pots. There are also plans for a big celebration in November to mark the group’s first anniversary.  

Perhaps the most powerful thing about Together Forever is the message it sends - that people with dementia and their families are not forgotten. Jo would like for more GPs and health professionals to signpost people to them: “You get the diagnosis and then that’s it - you’re left on your own.” Thankfully, organisations are beginning to take notice, with the Alzheimer’s Society and local council recently coming along to see what the group provides so they can promote it.  

Jo’s mum Christine is now living in Willow Bank Nursing Home in Hadfield, but she and Derek come along each week, with Derek usually the most enthusiastic dancer – check out the video below! Sister Gemma also attends, making this a real family labour of love.  

(Photo: Jo with parents Derek and Christine and sister Gemma)

As Together Forever returns from its summer break on Tuesday 2nd September, the message is clear: new members are welcome, volunteer drivers are needed and donations are gratefully received.  

What began as one determined daughter’s heartfelt mission to support her parents, has quickly grown into a vibrant, much-loved cornerstone of community life in Glossop. 

As Cathy, a regular attendee, summed up: “This isn’t just a social group. It’s friendship, it’s support and it’s life.”  

Find out more and donate by visiting their Facebook page: Together Forever. 

(Photo: some members of Heatherlea Dance School)