Day Centres and Activities Introduction
On this page you can find out about day centres and other activities in Oxfordshire that cater for people who have dementia.
Day Centres in Oxfordshire
There are a number of Day Care Centres supporting people with dementia in the Oxfordshire area; a list of Day Care Centres is
given at the end of this page.
Other Activities
Bridewell Organic Gardens
Bridewell Organic Gardens, near Witney, provide land-based therapeutic activities: horticulture, viniculture, beekeeping, blacksmithing, and other related crafts.
Support is primarily for adults between 18-65 suffering from mental health problems. A limited number of places are available for people with early dementia.
Referrals are via CPN/Community Mental Health Team.
Health Walks
If you enjoy the countryside and are looking for an activity that will enhance your general fitness you may be interested in the national "Walking the Way to Health" initiative.
Health walks take place across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. You do not have to be a seasoned walker, but you should wear appropriate footwear.
The walks are led by volunteers. If a person with dementia wishes to walk it would probably be helpful to the walk leader if they could walk with a friend or relative, as the leaders are there to encourage the whole group along and guide the way.
OXSRAD - Sport for all
More than a gym, OXSRAD is an integrated sports and leisure centre, in Marston, Oxford. All are welcome to become members, including people with dementia. As well as fitness stations, sports hall, and snooker room etc, there is also a bar, a sensory room, and other activities such as art, singing and massage available.
Personal Life History Booklet
The Personal Life History Booklet (PDF format, 255KB) is a wonderful resource, prepared by an Occupational Therapy Student for Alzheimer's Australia.
"This booklet has been designed to collect the unique social and life history of an individual with dementia. This life history will help individualise the care of the person with dementia and maintain their identity. It will also help people caring for the individual to know them and develop strong relationships with them."
If you have dementia it is well worth using this resource: it will not only provide a stimulating activity as you compile your personal life history, but is also a worthwhile investment for the future.
Everyday Activities
As dementia progresses you will find you start to need more help from other people with everyday activities, such as cooking a meal. However just because you need someone's help does not mean they should completely take over; it is important to continue doing the things you can, or you are likely to start feeling frustrated, and may become de-skilled.
Try to focus on the things you can do, rather than on the things you can no longer do. It is helpful if friends and family can also focus on the positive as much as possible. You may even find you rediscover joy in things you had lost in the busyness of life.
Many people stop reading as dementia progresses, and may also lose interest in the television generally. However certain television programmes may still be enjoyed, such as a favourite soap opera with familiar characters, or a programme associated with a passion such as history or dancing.
Lots of people who have dementia continue to enjoy walking, music, or the company of a pet animal.
The Alzheimer's Society has an advice sheet for carers about Hobbies, pastimes and everyday activities.
Alzheimer Scotland also have a useful resource, called Activities: a guide for carers of people with dementia.
Still Working?
Some people who have dementia are able to continue working for a time after receiving a diagnosis. Carers may also want or need to continue working. Our employment section has more information.
Support Groups
In Oxfordshire there are three groups where people with dementia, and carers, can meet others who are also living with dementia:
The ISIS lunch club meets every 6-8 weeks in a Church Hall in Headington, Oxford. It brings together those living with dementia and their carers from all over Oxfordshire. There is no charge for the lunch and entertainment is provided. An opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of others.
Referral is mainly through contact with the Memory
Clinics. If you would like more information please contact
David Janes or Brenda Green, Memory Clinic and Carers Support Workers,
on 01865 455816 or a member of the local branch of the Alzheimer's
Society.
It is hoped that similar lunches will soon be started elsewhere in Oxfordshire, so that they can be made available to more people.
Teas are held at locations in Didcot about every six weeks. The teas provide an opportunity to meet with others over tea and cakes, and also to enjoy entertainment such as hand-bell ringing and tea-dances. The teas take place from 2.00 to 4.00 pm.
Contact Stella Inston on 01865 876508 for further information.
There is also an Alzheimer's Society Support Group which meets on the first Monday of the month (but not on Bank Holidays), from 10.30am to noon.
This group is held in the outpatient's building at Chipping Norton Hospital.
It is a chance to meet with other people who know what it's like for you, and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
At some meetings there may also be a visiting speaker, or a chance to take part in an activity (e.g. pottery painting).
There is no charge for these meetings.
The group is for people who have memory problems or dementia, or who care for someone who does. Feel free to just come along, you would be made most welcome.
More details are available from Jean Ware-Morphy on 01295 720019.
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Day Care Centres in Oxfordshire
Abingdon
| Centre Name: |
Abingdon Alzheimer's Club |
| Address: |
Abingdon Hospital, Marcham Road, Abingdon, OX14 1AG |
| Telephone: |
01235 205407 |
| Email: |
[email protected] |
| Contact: |
Carole Chalton |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All. Tuesdays are reserved for people with early dementia. |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:30-15:30 |
| Activities: |
Singing, conversation, dancing, group games, monthly live concerts, weekly live music, individual activities |
| Transport: |
Yes. Transport within Abingdon, £2.00, outside Abingdon, £4.00 |
| Cost: |
Lunch/refreshments, £2.00 |
| Referral: |
Professional or self-referral |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
Run by the Alzheimer's Society.A carers' support group
is run on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 1-30
p.m. to 3-00 p.m. Transport may be available. Carers
and cared for equally welcome. |
| Telephone: |
078339 52514 |
Banbury
| Centre Name: |
Calder Day Centre |
| Address: |
Calder Close, The Ridings, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 7WR |
| Telephone: |
01295 277072 |
| Contact: |
Anne Bramm |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Early to moderate |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 10:00-15:30 |
| Activities: |
Physical activities, quizzes |
| Transport: |
Yes |
| Cost: |
£4.50 per day including transport, food and refreshments |
| Referral: |
Professional |
| Waiting List: |
Not usually |
| Other Information: |
Run by social services |
| Centre Name: |
St Mary's Thursday Club |
| Address: |
c/o St Mary's Vicarage, Church Street, Bloxham, OX15 0ET |
| Telephone: |
01295 721814 |
| Contact: |
Mrs Yvette Hawkins |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Very mild |
| Opening Times: |
Thursday 10:00-15:00 |
| Activities: |
Games, arts and crafts, hand massage, music, songs, service from vicar, guest speakers |
| Transport: |
Yes (Red Cross and voluntary drivers) |
| Cost: |
£4.00 per day including transport and refreshments |
| Referral: |
Self-referral or professional |
| Waiting List: |
Not at present |
| Other Information: |
Covers area of Bloxham, Milcomb and Milton |
| Centre Name: |
Lake House |
| Address: |
The Green, Lake Walk, Adderbury, Oxon, OX17 3NG |
| Telephone: |
01295 811183 |
| Contact: |
Maggie Herbert, Acting Head or Anne Peak, Day Care Organiser |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Only a small number of people who attend have dementia. The centre is not secure so cannot take clients who tend to walk about or wander. |
| Opening Times: |
Tuesday to Saturday inclusive, 09:30-14:30, but flexible |
| Activities: |
An activities co-ordinator organizes a varied programme of activities including crosswords, word games, dancing, group games, arts and crafts. Religious observance - communion once a month, all denominations welcome. |
| Transport: |
Yes included with day care charge |
| Cost: |
|
| Referral: |
Professional, private, social services or GP |
| Waiting List: |
No except for Thursdays |
| Other Information: |
15-20 places per day. Hairdresser on Wednesdays |
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Bicester
| Centre Name: |
Bicester Resources Centre |
| Address: |
Launton Road, Bicester, OX26 6DJ |
| Telephone: |
01869 242808 |
| Contact: |
Catherine Blaxhall, Manager
Jan Panter Asst Manager |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All – Specialist dementia groups High ratio of staff. Support
from Oxon Bucks Mental Health Team. |
| Opening Times: |
Mon to Fri - 08:30-16:30 |
| Activities: |
Sitting down exercises, simple games, art and reminiscence. They are based on a social model. Activities vary depending on the client |
| Transport: |
Yes |
| Cost: |
£3.75 including transport and lunch. Slightly reduced cost without transport. If they receive a care package, they pay £1.50 for lunch. |
| Referral: |
Self-referral or carer |
| Waiting List: |
10 places a day, 5 days a week for people with dementia. |
| Other Information: |
Run by social services
Short term respite care offered – 2 hour period during opening
times when required.
Booking essential
Carers' support group Meet twice monthly especially
for carers of people with mental health problems.. Telephone number
same as for Day Centre |
Chalgrove
| Centre Name: |
Chalgrove Day Centre |
| Address: |
Chalgrove Village Hall, Chalgrove, Oxford, OX44 7RN |
| Telephone: |
01865 891 485 |
| Contact: |
Mrs Leiper |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All |
| Opening Times: |
Fridays, 10:00-14:00 |
| Activities: |
Various |
| Transport: |
No |
| Cost: |
Lunch £4.50 |
| Referral: |
Self-referral |
| Waiting List: |
Yes. Numbers are limited to 9/10 |
| Other Information: |
Run by Age Concern |
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Chipping Norton
| Centre Name: |
Highlands Day Centre |
| Address: |
72 Burford Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5EE |
| Telephone: |
01608 643320 |
| Contact: |
Caroline Hickling |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Early onset dementia |
| Opening Times: |
Opening times: Mon, Weds, Thurs and Fri 10:00-15:00 |
| Activities: |
Conversation, crosswords, bingo, sewing, crafts, yoga and music |
| Transport: |
Yes - only in Chipping Norton and surrounding villages |
| Cost: |
£3.50 per day |
| Referral: |
Any |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
Other services available include chiropody, audiology clinics, hairdressing, personal care |
Didcot
| Centre Name: |
Didcot Day Centre |
| Address: |
Britwell Road, Didcot, OX11 7JN |
| Telephone: |
01235 518444 |
| Contact: |
|
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild |
| Opening Times: |
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Activities: |
Varied activities depending on clients. Visiting entertainers |
| Transport: |
Yes £0.80 |
| Cost: |
£1.45 per day. Lunch £1.50 |
| Referral: |
|
| Waiting List: |
|
| Other Information: |
Based at The Meadows Care Home |
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Faringdon
| Centre Name: |
Kingsmoor Day Centre |
| Address: |
Hinton Waldrist Village Hall, Nr Faringdon, SN7 8RN |
| Telephone: |
01865 820166 |
| Contact: |
Gwyn Diment, Acting Head |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild to moderate dementia |
| Opening Times: |
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 -15:00 |
| Activities: |
Gentle exercise, games, knitting, cooking, flower arranging, discussion time, music and relaxing hand massage |
| Transport: |
Yes (within 5 miles of Southmoor) |
| Cost: |
£5.00 per day |
| Referral: |
Any |
| Waiting List: |
Not at present |
| Other Information: |
Run by Age Concern |
Henley
| Centre Name: |
Bluebells Day Centre |
| Address: |
The Christchurch Centre, 46 Reading Road, Henley on Thames, RG9 1AG |
| Telephone: |
07921 689398 |
| Contact: |
Mrs Catherine Hoff |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Early to moderate. Can take people with more advanced dementia and those who walk about or wander |
| Opening Times: |
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday |
| Activities: |
Structured activities on offer |
| Transport: |
Provided |
| Cost: |
£5 per day |
| Referral: |
Only |
| Waiting List: |
Currently only on one day |
| Other Information: |
|
| Centre Name: |
Chilterns End |
| Address: |
Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 1QR |
| Telephone: |
01491 574066 |
| Contact: |
Mrs Val Rush, Head or Marrion Rose (runs Day Care) |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild dementia. Cannot take people who have a tendency to walk about or wander |
| Opening Times: |
09:30-17:00, but flexible. Special transport only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays |
| Activities: |
Crossword, word games, reading newspapers, ball games, conversation, dancing, group games, music, religious observance - communion on Thursdays. Social events organised around annual events such as Regatta-Pimms afternoon, Wimbledon-strawberries and cream |
| Transport: |
80p per day local area on request from local authority |
| Cost: |
£5.45 for lunch and refreshments if there is no homecare and £1.45 if someone is in receipt of benefits |
| Referral: |
Professional |
| Waiting List: |
No except for Thursdays |
| Other Information: |
Hairdresser on Tuesdays |
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Kidlington
| Centre Name: |
Lilacs Day Centre (Daybreak) |
| Address: |
11 Charlbury Close, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 2BW |
| Telephone: |
01865 370658 |
| Contact: |
Susan Bond |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All |
| Opening Times: |
Mon, Weds, Fri, 09:30-15:00. Thurs (specialist day) 09:30am-15:00 |
| Activities: |
Wide range of social activities, exercise, visits to other day centres, outings |
| Transport: |
Yes. To and from the centre, £4.50 |
| Cost: |
£4.00, excluding transport |
| Referral: |
Professional, self-referral or anyone involved with the client |
| Waiting List: |
Yes, usually |
| Other Information: |
Specialist service on Thurs for more complex cognitive problems |
Oxford
| Centre Name: |
The Limes Club (Daybreak) |
| Address: |
St Margaret's Institute, 30 Polstead Road, Oxford, OX2 6TN |
| Telephone: |
01865 510719 |
| Contact: |
Margi Campbell |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All |
| Opening Times: |
Monday and Tuesday, 09:00-16:00 |
| Activities: |
Wide range of social activities, exercise, visits to other day centres, outings |
| Transport: |
Yes. To and from the centre, £4.50 |
| Cost: |
£4.00, excluding transport |
| Referral: |
Professional, self-referral or anyone involved with the client |
| Waiting List: |
Yes, usually |
| Other Information: |
|
| Centre Name: |
Marston Court |
| Address: |
Marston Road, Oxford, OX3 0DS |
| Telephone: |
01865 241526 |
| Contact: |
Ms Theresa Whitford, Manager or Emma Kaur, Day Care |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild dementia |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 10:30-15:00 |
| Activities: |
Crosswords, word games, reading newspapers, ball games, conversation, musical movement on Thursdays, group games, skittles, fetes, bring and buys |
| Transport: |
Local authority transport included in the price of care |
| Cost: |
£5.45 for lunch and refreshments if there is no homecare and £1.45 for lunch if people are in receipt of benefits. Coffee/tea on arrival, coffee/tea break in the morning, choice of lunch, coffee/tea and biscuits in the afternoon. Diabetic menu and specialist menus |
| Referral: |
Professional, self-referral and family contact with Shotover centre |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
Hairdresser and chiropodist on Tuesdays |
| Centre Name: |
Rosewood Day Centre (Daybreak) |
| Address: |
The Clock House, Long Ground, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, OX4 7FX |
| Telephone: |
01865 776744 |
| Contact: |
Angela Genn |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:00 -16:00 |
| Activities: |
Wide range of social activities, exercise, visits to other day centres, outings |
| Transport: |
Yes. To and from the centre, £4.90 |
| Cost: |
£4.40, excluding transport |
| Referral: |
Professional, self-referral or anyone involved with the client |
| Waiting List: |
Yes, usually |
| Other Information: |
|
| Centre Name: |
The Willow Day Centre |
| Address: |
Manzil Way Resource Centre, Manzil Way, Oxford, OX4 1XE |
| Telephone: |
01865 202902 |
| Contact: |
Sarah Mikaelides |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Usually moderate/severe (able to take part in various activities) |
| Opening Times: |
Mon to Thurs 09.00 - 16.30. Tues, special day for African Caribbean older people with specialist mental health needs |
| Activities: |
Gentle exercises, bowls, reminiscence, making collages |
| Transport: |
Yes (see: cost) |
| Cost: |
£3.75 a day including £1.45 attendance, £1.50 meal, 80p transport. All except meal charge may be waived |
| Referral: |
Professional |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
Run by social services |
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Thame
| Centre Name: |
Dovecote Day Centre |
| Address: |
The Barns Centre, Church Road, Thame, OX9 3AJ |
| Telephone: |
01844 217318 |
| Contact: |
Patsy Baker, Organiser |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Early to moderate dementia |
| Opening Times: |
Wednesday and Friday, 09:00-14:00 |
| Activities: |
Exercise, craft, bowls. Flower arranging, memory games |
| Transport: |
Yes (only in Thame) |
| Cost: |
£5.00, including transport, lunch and refreshments |
| Referral: |
Anyone involved with the client |
| Waiting List: |
Yes, usually |
| Other Information: |
Run by Age Concern |
| Centre Name: |
Meadowcroft |
| Address: |
Towersey Road, Thame OX9 3NN |
| Telephone: |
01844 212934 |
| Contact: |
|
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday (hours can be variable) |
| Activities: |
Three sessions of craft each week. Singing. Visiting entertainers |
| Transport: |
No |
| Cost: |
|
| Referral: |
Self referral and professional |
| Waiting List: |
No |
| Other Information: |
Day care provided in Care Home run by Order of St. John |
Wallingford
| Centre Name: |
Wallingford Day Centre |
| Address: |
Westgate House, Milington Road, Wallingford, OX10 8FE |
| Telephone: |
01491 836467 |
| Contact: |
Sharon Tatum |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Mild dementia |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:00-15:00 |
| Activities: |
A variety of games, quizzes and activities |
| Transport: |
Yes |
| Cost: |
£1.45 for attendance, 80p for transport, £1.50 for lunch, 50p for drinks all day |
| Referral: |
Carer or GP |
| Waiting List: |
Yes, but mainly for transport |
| Other Information: |
Will have a trial day after referral |
| Centre Name: |
Westgate House |
| Address: |
Millington Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8FF |
| Telephone: |
01491 836332 |
| Contact: |
Colleen Messenger or Sharon Tatum |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Day centre not yet operational. Service undergoing key changes, Operating out of Abingdon at the moment but will return to this address after refurbishment complete |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:00-15:00. Hope to open weekends as well |
| Activities: |
Working party will be set up when contract is signed |
| Transport: |
80p per day is someone is local to the area on request from the local authority |
| Cost: |
£1.45 attendance, £1.50 for lunch and 50p for drinks all day |
| Referral: |
All professional referrals accepted |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
Social services will support this venture and can be contacted for more information |
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Wantage
| Centre Name: |
The October Club |
| Address: |
1-3 The Cloisters, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 8AQ |
| Telephone: |
01235 760428 |
| Contact: |
Vicky Hannington |
| Severity of Dementia: |
All |
| Opening Times: |
Mon, Weds and Fri 10:00-15:00 |
| Activities: |
Various activities such as cards, scrabble, painting and puzzles |
| Transport: |
Yes |
| Cost: |
£4.50 per day (transport £1.00 and refreshments £3.50) |
| Referral: |
Professional or relatives |
| Waiting List: |
Not at present. 15 places, of which, 7 are available |
| Other Information: |
|
Witney
| Centre Name: |
Elms Day Centre |
| Address: |
9 Church Green, Witney, Oxon, OX8 4AZ |
| Telephone: |
01993 771078 |
| Contact: |
Janet Lock |
| Severity of Dementia: |
Early/moderate (progression of dementia will not automatically result in longer term placements no longer being offered) |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:00-16:00 |
| Activities: |
Singing, quiz, bingo, films and croquet |
| Transport: |
Yes |
| Cost: |
Transport, £1.50 (return journey). Meal, £2.00 |
| Referral: |
Professional or carer (see: other information) |
| Waiting List: |
Yes |
| Other Information: |
No specific days for dementia sufferers, mixed groups have been found to work well. If self-referring, a copy of the referral will need to go to the Unit Manager for West Oxfordshire. Run by Age Concern |
South East Day Services, Older Adult Mental Health Services
Works alongside the Community
Mental Health Team to support the work of day centres and
to provide specific groups (Memory Strategies, Depression
and support for carers) For people over the age of
65 with a mental health need in the Thame, Henley and Abingdon
areas. |
| Address: |
Marcham Road, Abingdon |
| Telephone: |
01235 205404 |
| Contact: |
Clare du Feu |
| Opening Times: |
Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Referral: |
Via GP and Community Mental Health Teams |
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