About.

Too Many People Face Dementia Alone!

Other Halves provide contact for those close to loved ones with Dementia, to share experiences and support each other.

Our Brief

Other Halves was founded in 2016 as a direct consequence of the situation one of our founder member's found herself in, caring for her partner who suffered from dementia. It's very much a regional based charity project with local people organising activities and supporting one another through this very cruel and heartbreaking disease.

Supporters can be those currently living with a relative who has dementia or now living alone. Anyone who has experienced living with dementia is welcome.

Safeguarding Policy

Our Principles

We welcome people of all backgrounds, regardless of religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation but as a responsible group we reserve the right to exclude anyone whose behaviour poses a threat to the health and safety or wellbeing of others.

Although our activities and events are primarily for those people that care for those diagnosed with dementia, they are welcome to bring their loved one or partner along. However, Other Halves are unable to take responsibility for the care, support, health and safety, or supervision of a person with dementia.

View Latest Activities

Our Vision

Our ambition would be to set up groups like ours across a wider region. However, after consulting other agencies we have reluctantly recognised that our size and facilities are best focused on serving Mid-Essex. That said, the experience we have gained setting up and operating Other Halves allows us to work in an Advisory capacity for those interested in creating similar groups.

Please feel free to contact us if you need some help or guidance. As a small charity that does not ask its supporters to make a voluntary donation, we always need funds to cover our expenses. If you or anyone you know can help us raise funds please get in touch.

Contact Us

Dementia is a terrible disease for those afflicted with it but arguably more so for those that have to care for them.

Other Halves are very grateful for the help we get from our Supporters, Sponsors and Other Groups

Challenges.

I found there was and still is very little support to help partners deal with the burden of dementia; plenty of advice, information and understanding of dementia sufferers needs but little to help the carers themselves. (OH Founder)

Shared Thoughts From Dementia Carers

It can be very isolating and depressing saying goodbye to the life we knew together before Dementia and tedious living with someone who had a decreasing memory.

I want a companion; I want her back. We have spent our whole lives together, I am feeling so lost.

I can still hold my Dad's hand but I miss him everyday!

It's devastating when a person that helped raise you forgets who you are

Dementia care isn't easy. Caring for someone living with Dementia is difficult! In fact, caring is one of the most difficult undertakings anyone can imagine.

I don't want to talk about it. I just want to be with people who get it, who understand...who can be there...with me.

Many of us feel angry and frightened faced with the challenges of a loved one with Dementia. We are told they can live a good life. It means living in the moment. How do you do that?

Life will never be normal again...what's normal?...this is now normal!

I feel exhausted and alone...dreadfully alone.

People can't handle it so they stay away. It's isolating and lonely!

You wake up every morning to fight the same demons that lefft you so tired the night before!

Its sometimes hard to balance the struggle against the significance of caring for Dad!

I was fortunate to have the support of friends and family which was invaluable but increasingly I felt the need to be with others who understood the pressure. (OH Founder)

If you are in a similar situation or just want to talk about dealing with dementia please feel free to contact us or come and join us.

You don't have to be alone in caring for someone with Dementia.

Events.

What we like to do together.

Regular Contact

Gathering weekly to experience the joy in life and to be with others who understand the challenges of dementia.

We undertake various activities as a group that have proved valuable in dealing with dementia as carers and bringing our lives together.

Latest Events

Supporting Each Other

Every one of our activities and events are inclusive, and you are welcome to bring your loved one along. For those bringing a person with dementia please read our insurance disclaimer. If you would like to join one of our activities please get in touch.

Email

Call Us - 07955 345290

Friendship, Support, Laughter, Companionship & Advice.

Lets Celebrate This Life Together

Wellbeing.

Life as a Carer.

Some advice for carer's

Life as a carer

Life as a dementia carer can be very rewarding but can also be very overwhelming for many. A carer can feel lonely, frustrated and even angry with the impact of dementia. It is vital that a carer finds sufficient time to look after themselves. Here are a few things we've learned as a group since we came together.

Essential self care

Ask for help when you need it
Eat well and nutritiously
Exercise as often as you can
Get the amount of sleep you need
Join a carer's group
Maintain circle of friends and hobbies

Talking to others

You are not alone!
Talk to friends and family
Involve others in your caring
Connect with other carers

Taking a break

Vital for your own mental health
Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine
Schedule in things for yourself
Keep up hobbies and pastimes
Ensure you stick to mealtimes

Signs of caregiver stress

Things such as feeling overwhelmed, tiredness, weight change, being easily irritated, a loss of interest in activities and constant headaches are signs of stress a carer is quite likely to experience. They can harm your health over time and underline the need to look after yourself as much as a loved one.