Local Dementia Support

Safe Havens

There are 4 Safe Havens in Burgess Hill town centre, located at:

Market Place Shopping Centre

Waitrose

Burgess Hill Town Council’s Help Point at 96 Church Walk

Burgess Hill Library

The Safe Havens provide dementia awareness trained staff and a quiet place for people affected by dementia to receive help and assistance, for example, help with orientation, transport information or locating a mislaid person or belongings.

The NHS, working in partnership with Alzheimer’s society, has produced The Dementia Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to support people following a diagnosis of dementia. The guide brings together clear, practical information about understanding dementia, living well, accessing support and planning for the future, helping individuals and their families navigate the path ahead with greater confidence and reassurance.

Dementia Guidance provides a guide to free services available throughout the UK to people with dementia and their families.

You can also find a dementia toolkit on the Carers Support West Sussex website.

 

Information and Advice

 

Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support, funds medical and social research, and campaigns for better quality of life for people with dementia and greater understanding of the condition. Support in West Sussex includes support groups, advice and guidance. The Alzheimer’s Society also run a National Dementia Helpline, contact 0333 150 3456 , or an online Support Forum for people with dementia and their carers.

Dementia UK provides specialist dementia advice, support, and understanding for friends and families through their Admiral Nurse Service.

West Sussex Dementia   aims to provide supportive, accessible information in one central place.

The information is designed to be explorative and thought provoking, encouraging people to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply.

Visitors are encouraged to delve into the web of information that surrounds a diagnosis of dementia from preventative guidance, to understand how to seek a diagnosis, and considering what steps may be needed for the future.

West Sussex Connect to Support  provides information to help people understand dementia, recognise early symptoms, and explore the benefits of an early diagnosis.

The West Sussex Dementia Network is a social action group working to make change for the benefit of people affected by dementia. Led by experts, by experience, they meet around West Sussex four times a year.

For more information contact Lynsey Tran: lynsey.tran@beehive.org.uk or 07903720208

 

Support Groups and Social Activities

Raise Your Voice: Dementia Singing Group – Every Thursday from 15 January 2026 10:30am-Noon
St Wilfred’s Hall. Station Road, Burgess Hill
Raise Your Voice is a music project supporting people with dementia and their carers in areas around Burgess Hill. Led by professional musicians, the project offers welcoming, inclusive music sessions supported by volunteers. Those interested in taking part are encouraged to contact Raise Your Voice directly to find out more and book a place.

Befriended Cafe Neuro a drop in cafe at the Salvation Army offering support, signposting and listening ear for care givers and those they care for, living with dementia and other neurocognitive disorders. This runs every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 10:30am-12pm.

Carers Support West Sussex have a range of carers support groups and events available, offering opportunities for friendly conversation, practical workshops and relaxing outings. Designed with carers in mind, these sessions provide both useful support and valuable time to pause and recharge. Carers can search for groups in their area, and access additional support via the helpline on 030 002 8888.

Tapestry Day Club  is a charity that provides small group club days hosted in the welcoming homes of trained hosts. The service supports people living with early-stage dementia or those experiencing social isolation, offering meaningful social connection in a relaxed, home from home setting. Tapestry Day Club also provides trusted respite for family carers, giving reassurance and valuable time to rest while knowing their loved one is well supported.

Sporting legends cafe, Burgess Hill Town FC have partnered with Keymer Hall Care Home to bring older adults together over their favourite sporting memories. The group will meet on 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am-noon.

The group is open to anyone in the community, not just our residents. Loneliness among older people is a genuine issue locally, and this felt like a practical, enjoyable way to do something about it.

Activities in nearby towns

Memory Cafes run in Hassocks 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month ( 10:30-12:30), Hurstpierpoint 2nd Tuesday of each month (2-4pm), and Haywards Heath 4th Thursday of each month (2-4pm)

Dementia friendly cafe runs twice a month at St Richard’s hall Haywards Heath offering an informal cafe for people living with dementia. The cafe is open for two hours, typically on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of the month.

Mind Matters runs with weekly activities to maintain cognitive and physical abilities for adults with early onset Dementia. Lamb House, Haywards Heath Mondays 10am-3pm.

Dementia-friendly walks at Wakehurst

 

Respite Care

Tapestry Day Club also provides trusted respite for family carers, giving reassurance and valuable time to rest while knowing their loved one is well supported.

West Sussex Brighton and Hove Age UK – The Daybreak Respite service provides day support for people living with dementia, which includes stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction. The service also provide much needed respite to carers. All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.

Burgess Hill, Kings Weald Community Centre: Tuesdays 10am – 3pm

Find West Sussex Brighton and Hove Age UK full list of Daybreaks: Dementia short break services

Keymer Hall Care Home provides compassionate dementia care that celebrates each person, providing comfort, dignity and a secure, enriching environment.

GoodOaks provides respite breaks which can either be planned or unplanned, depending on circumstances. It’s designed to give family carers a break, whether for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks.

TuVida provides a tailored service of respite support for carers across West Sussex.

Forest View Care Home in Burgess Hill provides respite day care facilities.

Stay Connected Club is a dedicated day centre based in North Chailey providing specialist dementia day care and vital respite.

Support and Services for Carers

 

Carers Emergency Alert Card is a credit-card sized laminated card which will identify you as a carer if you are out alone and become ill or have an accident. The scheme is free of charge for West Sussex residents.

Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers brings together a wealth of information and resources designed to support those looking after a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Carers Support West Sussex provides information and support for friends, families and partners of people with a long-term health condition including memory loss and dementia.

Jointly is an app that makes caring for someone a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.

Neighbourly Care is a support and befriending charity run by volunteers providing practical help to people of all ages experiencing or caring for someone with illness, frailty, disability, social isolation or a sudden crisis.

Pamper Day for Carers is an annual event held at Burgess Hill Girls school, and is free for any local resident who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Carers Health Team can offer support for carers over the age of 18 registered with a West Sussex GP.

Guardian Angel device help to support families and carers with loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It can be worn on the wrist, attached to a bag handle or zip, can be pinned to a hat or coat or attached to keys.

Staying Safe

 

Chichester Careline partner with Mindme to provide GPS devices which can be worn by people with dementia, giving carers peace of mind and users more freedom.

The Helping Hand card is a scheme being operated by local bus companies including Brighton & Hove Buses, Metrobus, Southdown PSV, Compass Travel, Stagecoach, Big Lemon and Sussexbus. The free card enables passengers who may need extra assistance to discreetly explain the help they may require without having to verbally communicate it.

Gatwick Airport provide advice and support for passengers with hidden disabilities and their families or carers travelling through Gatwick, including a Hidden Disabilities lanyard which can be obtained at the airport.

In the event of someone with dementia going missing, you can report a missing person with Sussex Police.

 

Other Resources

 

M4D radio is a new radio station for people living with dementia. The station plays 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and you can choose what era of music you want to listen to. Tune in at m4dradio.com.

My Life Films is a UK-registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by dementia. Through their on-demand streaming service My Life TV they offer dementia-friendly television to thousands of people at home and in care across the UK every year –  improving mood, reducing anxiety, and providing vital respite for carers at home, and enjoyable and stimulating group activities for care staff in settings.