ARTICLE FIRST POSTED IN CRANBROOK BY BRIDGET VEITCH

Dementia and Day Care
I know from personal experience that caring for family members with any form of dementia is both physically and mentally exhausting. In my role as a trustee of the Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends I have become aware of dementia related offerings that could interest and benefit our residents.
Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends is a charity whose aims are to support the work of the hospital and actively support the surrounding communities. Hawkhurst Community Hospital is a West Kent, NHS run, rehabilitation hospital, with 23 beds. It does some out-patient activities, such as physiotherapy. One activity is a regular Music Therapy session for those assessed as having mild dementia.

(Note from publisher the music therapy is for in patients of HCHLOF) The hospital treats all kinds of problems and is mainly for assessment and their move back home.)

Hands of Hope is a charity based near the Moor at Hawkhurst. Its activities are gardening based, done in a walled garden with a greenhouse. For those with mild dementia, there is ‘The Monday Gang’, held at the Hands of Hope. It is a new small group getting together for informative talks, inspiring activities, support and enjoyment of the beautiful setting.
Dementia Experience is a Kent-wide charity that supports and works with local charities, such as the Hands of Hope. They specialise in offerings, such as their Regular Clubs, to offer practical help and to support individuals and family members living with dementia.
Wellbeing in the Weald is a local charity. This has a wider remit and additionally has an interest in supporting those with dementia.
The Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends manage the WRAP Day Care and ‘The Monday Gang’ which support individuals and their carers. WRAP sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday at Hawkhurst House. These are open to those assessed as having moderate dementia, and are well-attended, being run by an experienced team of professionals and volunteers.
We believe that there could be sufficient demand from Cranbrook, Sissinghurst and surrounding areas for the WRAP Day Care sessions to be run on an additional day. The sessions are financially supported by the Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends, but there is a daily charge.
The Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends welcomes new members, and charitable donations to our Green Shop which is located near the traffic lights at Hawkhurst.
Please help us assess the demand for an additional WRAP Day Care session by registering your interest by emailing office@hawkhurstlof.co.uk
Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends www.hawkhurstlof.co.uk
Dementia Experience www.dementia-experience.com
Hands of Hope www.hohcharity.co.uk
The Monday Gang – contact Sarah Caller at wrapdds@gmail.com or 07471 240269.
Wellbeing in the Weald www.wellbeingintheweald.co.uk
WRAP is Weald Rural Activities Partnership

By Bridget Veitch – Trustee HCHLOF

This first appeared as an article for CAKE Magazine – Spring 2026 Issue (Cake is as Cranbrook Publication)