Taking the helm

Nikki Logan discovers how a Chelmsford charity is helping people countrywide to ‘live well’ with dementia

While uncertainty still surrounds our summer holiday plans for many of us, one Essex charity is keener than most to get its unique brand of holidays up and running.

Dementia Adventure, a national charity headquartered in the courtyard offices of Old Park Farm in Chelmsford, has been providing support to people with dementia and their family carers since 2009. Through fundraising efforts, including ongoing support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the charity provides training, community events and fully supported, subsidised holidays across the UK for those living with dementia.

Every year, alongside dementia support and training across the UK, Dementia Adventure provides bespoke holidays. Despite the challenges of 2020, once the government allows, the charity still has plans to give those with dementia and their family carers, a well-earned, enjoyable break that would otherwise seem impossible. This includes the hugely popular sailing trip, setting off from Maldon Hythe Quay on board an iconic Thames sailing barge to explore the 350 miles of rugged sheltered coves, vast saltmarshes and sandy stretches of beach along the Essex Sunshine Coast.