Our Remind service welcomed the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth to one of its dementia support groups this month, highlighting the vital support it’s providing for people in the community who are living with dementia and their carers.

Remind is delivering a range of services across the city, and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress had the opportunity to join one of its regular activity sessions.

Held twice weekly at Cosham Baptist Church, Remind’s activity groups are available to people following a formal dementia diagnosis, and form part of a person-centred approach to support. They offer a friendly space to meet others, share experiences, and take part in activities designed to keep the mind engaged.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said it’s important for him to spend time in the community and see first-hand what is available to Portsmouth residents.

He said: “There are many wonderful things happening across the city, and I want to meet as many people as possible during my year of office.

“Remind is offering an incredible service here in Portsmouth, and I’m delighted we had the chance to visit one of its groups today. It was a pleasure to meet everyone, and we both had great fun joining in with the activities!”

For this session, participants enjoyed a music quiz and a game of ‘sweet pong’. Each activity is carefully chosen to support people living with dementia.

Jenny Pincombe, Remind Dementia Activities Facilitator, leads the groups, and said: “It’s all about delivering activities that support brain function and fine motor skills. Music helps stimulate memory, and encourages social interaction, while the sweet pong game supports hand-eye coordination, grip strength and controlled movement. It’s also important that our service users have fun and leave the session with a focus on what can still be enjoyed and experienced.

“A huge thank you to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth for coming along today and getting involved. It’s always lovely to see the smiles on the faces of our service users and today was no exception – everyone had a wonderful time!”

Remind is delivering support to those living with dementia and their carers throughout Portsmouth.

For more information, visit: Remind | Dementia support in Portsmouth by Solent Mind