An award-winning, not-for-profit dementia day care service is set to expand to Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) in early 2025.
The Filo Project offers an alternative to dementia day centres and residential care, while also creating fulfilling employment opportunities for local people who become hosts and area coordinators.
High-quality daycare will be delivered through its innovative model, whereby carefully selected hosts open up their homes to small groups of older people with early to moderate dementia.
Hosts collect small groups of clients for a relaxed ‘Filo Day’ – designed to feel like a fun day out with friends that is not prescriptive and can suitably flex to the needs of the group.
This regular social interaction means many clients report stabilised dementia symptoms and are able to remain independent for longer in their own homes.
Libby Price, Co-Director of The Filo Project, said:
“Dementia and memory loss can be a very isolating, worrying time for families who feel they are gradually losing their partner or family member. But The Filo Project shows that with good quality care and support, people can still live well with dementia.”
“We see time and again how clients grow in confidence and make friends in our homely settings, in turn having a positive impact on their dementia symptoms and mood.”
“This type of care offers families regular, extended respite from the challenges of looking after their partner or family member with dementia. Filo also has a free family support service for all its clients to help them navigate life with the condition.”
“Our first groups will start in early 2025 in Christchurch, Highcliffe and Poole, and we’ll be introducing more groups across the BCP area in the months following.”
“We’re recruiting hosts and area coordinators now. We’re looking for people who are friendly, creative, flexible and enjoy socialising with older people. Hosting can present physical and emotional challenges, but is incredibly rewarding.”
Filo hosts come from all walks of life. Current hosts have backgrounds in teaching, nursing, the creative industry, and hospitality. Full training is provided, but hosts should be patient, understanding, open-minded and caring in nature.
Since its formation in 2014, The Filo Project has supported around 5,000 people with dementia and has won multiple awards for its unique approach to dementia day care. The service is well-established, with dozens of groups running across the South West and East Lancashire.
Cllr David Brown, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at BCP Council, said:
“BCP Council is proud to be collaborating with The Filo Project in our local area. Their innovative approach to dementia day care aligns with our goal of creating more community-based daytime activities, offering greater choice for people with dementia, and their families who are seeking support.”
“I eagerly look forward to developing our local network of hosts and groups, and witnessing the positive impact this social-focused model will have on their lives.”
“I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a host to contact The Filo Project team. This is a unique and immensely rewarding opportunity where you can make a significant and positive difference to the lives of local people across our communities.”
If you are interested in becoming a Filo host or area coordinator, or to find out more about The Filo Project, visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.
Photo credit: Hannah Maulw-Ffinch
