Guideposts CONNECT Social Groups
Guideposts CONNECT Social Groups
Guideposts CONNECT social groups are FREE dementia-friendly friendship and support groups in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
They are for people living with long term health conditions, people who care for a friend or relative, and those looking to make new local friendships.
Current Status: We are welcoming new members to all our groups. Please contact us if you would like to join. We hope to meet you soon!
How Guideposts CONNECT groups work
Our free groups meet fortnightly in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire for a conversation over a cuppa, building local friendships. We arrange activities so that you can discover new hobbies or learn something new, together with our main focus of sharing conversation with friends and having fun!
For carers, you can take part either with the person you care for or independently. Carers can share hints and tips from other carers with similar experiences, or just enjoy a respite break.
CONNECT groups in Oxfordshire
CONNECT at Witney
Address:
Our Lady and St Hugh Catholic Church, Dene Rise, Witney, OX28 6LU
Day & Time: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm.
CONNECT at Kidlington
Address:
Kidlington Baptist Church in the Blue Room, High Street, Kidlington, OX5 2DS
Day & Time: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm.
CONNECT groups in Gloucestershire
CONNECT at Gloucester Farmers Club
Address: Gloucester Farmers Club, Agriculture House, Greville Close, Sandhurst Road, Gloucester GL2 9RG
Day & Time: Every other Thursday, 11am – 1pm.
CONNECT at Newent
Address: Community Pavilion, Newent, GL18 1QA
Day & Time: Last Tuesday of each month, 1pm-3pm
CONNECT at Stroud
Address: Stroud Community Hub, 6 London Road, GL5 2AG (on the 230 bus route)
Day & Time: Every other Wednesday, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
CONNECT at Tewkesbury
Address: Priors Park Community Church, Queens Road, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5HU
Day & Time: Every other Wednesday, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
CONNECT at Whitminster
Address: Whitminster Village Hall, School Lane, Whitminster, GL2 7NT
Day & Time: Every other Thursday, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
What activities are on offer?
Activities that take place are flexible, guided by discussion with the group, and can include:
- Art & Crafts
- Gardening
- Chess & other games
- Topical discussion & debate
- Dementia friendly activities and games
- Topical speakers
- Carer support
- Friendship and peer-peer support
- Tea and coffee and biscuits
Who can we support?
Guideposts CONNECT is for anyone who would like to make new local friendships or connections, including those living with dementia, long term health conditions, and unpaid carers.
Why should I join?
Our members attend for different reasons. For some, it’s just a good chance to get out of the house and socialise. For others, it’s a way to try new things, be more active, or get vital support from others. Coming to a supportive place like CONNECT can help strengthen your wellbeing and have some fun.
Supported by
“I felt almost as though I was losing my identity as caring for my husband took over my life. Dementia can be a very lonely place but this group has helped us both so much. We both get the support we need and speaking to other carers has been invaluable.”
“I was feeling lost, but this group has given me a purpose. I am getting out the house, trying new things, and talking to new friends who understand what I am going through. It has given me something to look forward to each week.”
How to join?
Please get in touch if you’re interested in coming to Guideposts CONNECT. We’ll arrange a time to meet or talk on the phone and you can ask any questions you have, before attending the group.
Can you Help?
Would you like to volunteer with one of these groups? If you enjoy talking to people, have a hobby or skill to share, or want to develop your skills, please get in touch.
