REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES THIS CHRISTMAS AT THE ASPIRE DEMENTIA MEMORIAL SERVICE, SWINTON

Leading care provider Aspire Care and Support, based in Swinton, are hosting their first ever Dementia Memorial Service this December. Initially planned for 2021, the event was postponed due to covid restrictions but is now back on track with plans for an extra special event in 2022.

The not-for-profit organisation specialises in supporting people with Dementia and their families, as well as those with learning difficulties or complex needs. Having supported many families in the area the organisation recognised that there was a need for people to remember their loved ones during the festive season. The Dementia Memorial Service will take place on Monday 12th December, from 4pm at the Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton.

Lisa Dickinson, CEO of Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support, said:

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“We understand that whilst Christmas is often a joyful time filled with celebrations and love, it can also be tinged with sadness if we are facing it without a loved one or are caring for someone with dementia. We hope this meaningful and uplifting event will offer people strength, as we stand together to reflect on happier times and remember those we love.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, you do not need to have been supported by Aspire. We are all united in our loss to dementia and encourage you to join us for an evening of reflection and hope” 

Starting at 5pm, guests will be able to enjoy mince pies and hot drinks in the Forget Me Not Café whilst enjoying performances from Moorside Older Persons Choir and a local school choir. A remembrance tree will be lit with festive lights during the ceremony, with guests able to place their own personalised baubles or dedications on the tree. A selection of baubles will be available for visitors to personalise with your own heartfelt messages or to fill with your own items, such as photographs, which you can bring with you to the event. A suggested donation of £5 per bauble will help to raise proceeds for Poppy Dementia Support, located on site, which supports local residents who are living with dementia.

The memorial service will commence at 6pm and will be held outside in the grounds of the Humphrey Booth Resource Centre. Guests will hear from Aspire CEO Lisa Dickinson, and Volunteer Betty Burton, before two minutes of reflection and the tree lighting, led by local Vicar Karen Owen to remember loved ones as part of the service, before a vocal performance finale by Michelle Lee. Following the service, visitors will be able to take their baubles home with them to place on their own tree.

Chris Seward, Dementia Lead at Aspire, said:

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“We are really looking forward to hosting this event, and hope that it can become an annual tradition, bringing people together to remember and celebrate those dear to them.

"We welcome anyone who has lost someone to, or is living with, Dementia to come and mark the occasion, or anyone wishing to remember a loved one for reasons of their own"

 

Entry to the Dementia Memorial Service is free and is open to anyone who would like to attend. For more information, please contact 0161 607 7101 or email aspire@iamaspire.org.uk.