Building Connection, Preserving Personhood, and Supporting Spiritual Care: A Community Dementia Coffee Group Initiative
Lunchtime Sessions 1
17 November, 2026 1:20 – 2:05 pmElectronic Posters
Caroline Ashton-Gough
Admiral Nurse/Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialis
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Summary
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a dementia-friendly coffee morning was established to reduce isolation and support people living with dementia and their families. In collaboration with a local Charity Service, the Admiral Nurse from the hospital and led by Rev LH from a local church, the initiative was initially delivered online, providing weekly connection for individuals at home, in hospital, and in care homes during a time of significant social restriction.
In 2021, the group transitioned to face-to-face delivery and continues to meet weekly, Led by LH, supported by volunteers, an Admiral Nurse, and community partners. The group provides a safe, welcoming space that promotes dignity, inclusion, and wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on person-centred care, building relationships and maintaining personhood.
Alongside social interaction, connecting with memories and person centredness, meaningful activities, and lots of refreshments, the group recognises the importance of meeting spiritual care needs. Each session concludes with a hymn and prayer for those who wish to participate, offering comfort, familiarity, and a sense of peace. These opportunities support holistic care, acknowledging the emotional and spiritual dimensions of living with dementia and caregiving.
The group’s impact extends beyond social engagement. It provides ongoing peer support, with bereaved family members continuing to attend, highlighting its role in sustained emotional and spiritual care. Volunteers, including healthcare professionals, contribute to early intervention by signposting to services, supporting access to community resources, identifying safeguarding concerns, and helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Evaluation has been consistently positive, with participants describing the group as a “haven of love and care.” This initiative demonstrates how collaborative, community-based approaches can enhance the lives of people living with dementia, reduce isolation, and support families, while reinforcing the importance of connection, compassion, personhood, and spiritual wellbeing in dementia care.