Home from Home Friendship Group mark five years of community support
Home from Home Friendship Group marked it’s five‑year anniversary at Kirkheaton Community Centre on Friday 18th September, celebrating the milestone while raising vital funds for Dementia UK. The event brought together long‑standing attendees and new faces over tea and cake, showing how the group has grown into a trusted part of the local community.
The group began in 2021 with the aim of supporting people living with dementia and their carers, by offering a warm, safe space to come together. What started as a small cafe-style meet‑up has now developed into a regular, volunteer‑run session on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month for conversation, activities, and connection.
The anniversary celebration highlighted everything the group has built over the past five years, providing the local community with a welcoming place where those living with dementia and their carers can feel part of something meaningful.
Jennifer, who first began attending the group with her husband after his dementia diagnosis, reflected on what it meant to return for the anniversary event with her daughter:
“When Home from Home first started, my husband used to come along with me. Coming back today with my daughter gives us a chance to celebrate the success and show our support for what was a lifeline for us. He’s now living in a dementia care home, but being here reminds me how much this place meant during those early days.”
Lesley also spoke about what the anniversary celebration meant for her and her brother:
“I come here with my brother who has dementia, and we always enjoy our time here. People look after and look out for him, and the atmosphere is always warm, welcoming, and comforting. This group means a lot and the celebration feels really special”
Two of the volunteers who help run Home from Home Friendship Group shared their reflections during the anniversary celebration. Like many of the volunteers, they pitch in with whatever’s needed, whether that’s making teas and coffees, organising activities, helping with a raffle, or keeping the entertainment going. Their lived experience of dementia also shapes the way they support families, offering understanding, patience, and a friendly face at every session.
Pat reflected on what reaching the five‑year milestone meant for the group:
“Celebrating our five‑year anniversary today feels incredible. We started small, and I never imagined we’d reach this milestone, but it shows how well the group is doing. Today we firstly welcomed our regular dementia group, who normally enjoy activities such as entertainers, crafts, quizzes/games, then later opened the doors to guests who’ve supported us along the way. There was live music from a singer/accordionist, plus a visit from the Mayor. It’s been a brilliant way to mark five years, and seeing everyone together today reminds me why this celebration matters.”
Irene shared how the group has built on the support available:
“Today’s anniversary event has been a chance to celebrate what this group has evolved into over the past five years. We’re here to provide a place where people living with dementia and their families can go to spend some quality time together, and it’s become all of that and more.”
As the celebration wrapped up, volunteers said they felt proud to be raising money for Dementia UK while continuing to strengthen the support the group provides. They’re looking to the future with hopes of continuing to build on the friendships and community spirit that have carried the group through its first five years, and keeping that momentum going for many more.
Article written by Saajidah Makda, Community Reporter Volunteer
Photography by Geoff Halpin, Volunteer Photographer.
You can find out more about joining or volunteering with Home from Home Friendship group here.