Millie Fuller, a university student, recently sent us an article she has written as part of her university course.  We were very impressed and would like to share it with you – thank you Millie!

Building Bridges to Wellness: Day Centres and Mental Health

by Millie Fuller

 

Ageing can sometimes make it feel like we’re losing touch with our community. This disconnection can have a negative impact on our mental health. However, we’ve got a solution.

 

At Riverside Centre Dover, we’ve made it our mission to help adults enjoy a richer community and personal life. We provide a variety of activities and programmes that encourage social engagement with others.

 

A welcoming space

 

Our team of friendly staff are committed to making sure all our members feel at home from the minute they arrive. We’re proud to have created an inclusive environment that fosters social connections along with mental and physical wellness. We’re open and available to everyone, however we do provide extensive personalised services for older adults.

 

The team collaborates with each member on their preferences and necessities. We make sure they’re getting the most out of their visits. We also strongly believe in creating opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. We find it greatly enhances mental wellbeing.

 

Partnership with Dementia & Me

 

We’re proud to have forged a partnership with the Dementia and Me co-ordinator programme which is led by Age UK. If you’re listed with any of the surgeries on this page, you’ll be eligible to take advantage of these services.

 

We understand the mental health challenges that come with dementia. Through this partnership we provide those who are eligible access to our Dementia and Me Co-ordinators, who can provide you with:

 

• Support plan – we develop a customised support plan for each person, taking into consideration their circumstances and challenges. This will include ways in which to deal with their changing needs

 

• Appointments – we can discuss the importance of attending different types of appointments throughout your diagnosis.

 

• Locating support groups – helping you find your safe space to speak to others going through a similar journey

 

• Emotional support – dementia can be extremely impactful on mental health. We’ll guide you along the way with information and advice, including living with the symptoms.

 

• Provide you with information on available services – Riverside Dover aims to connect you with available services to better tackle mental health concerns with dementia.

 

This partnership is admirable for its true and sincere care for each patient’s welfare. The team of dedicated dementia experts possess a wealth of knowledge and resources, enabling us to offer tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of those with dementia.

 

A change of scenery

 

Different environments can reignite independence and freedom that may have been lost. Integrating a change in setting into a daily routine can rekindle excitement and curiosity.

This may seem trivial but small alterations can improve a person’s wellbeing.

 

Meaningful activities and engagement

 

When activities bring our members meaning, they feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This leads to them having a more positive mindset.

 

We have weekly activities where members can connect with others and do something they enjoy. From yoga to our memory café, we have different things every single day. So, if you’re joining us once per week or every day, you’ll be fulfilled.

 

Self-care

 

Prioritising yourself might not seem as paramount as we age, but self-care is incredibly important to our mental wellness.

 

Are your feet feeling sore and dry? Our onsite clinic room offers 30-minute footcare appointments for just £23.

 

 

Affordable food options

 

As we get older, our bodies need to be nourished to keep going. Sometimes the mental and physical strain of cooking can lead to us not getting enough calories, not to mention the cost of buying groceries.

 

Whether you’re attending the centre, or you’d like some delicious food delivered to your home, we can provide it.

 

Our affordable and delicious 2-course meal service is available Monday-Friday from just £8.00 or £10.00 delivered. You can add an afternoon tea and some snacks for £4.00 extra.

 

If you’re interested in Riverside Centre, Dover please call us on 01304 207 268.

 

For volunteer opportunities for the Centre and our charity shop, get in touch today.

Our Services

 

At The Riverside Centre we aim to provide vital support and life-enhancing services to the residents of Dover and surrounding rural villages.

The Centre is available to everyone, however we do provide an extensive range of personalised services for older people and the wider community.

All our staff are caring and committed to providing the best service possible.

Click on any of the headings to find out more information.

For further enquiries about all our services please call 01304 207268 or complete the form at the bottom of the page

To find out more about our services complete the below form

Dementia Services

Dover Riverside Centre are proud delivery partners of the Dementia & Me co-ordinators programme lead by Age UK Herne Bay & Whitstable in the Dover Town, Total Health Excellence East and Total Health Excellence West Primary Care Network areas. If you are registered at any of the following surgeries, you will be eligible for a service from Dover Riverside centre:

• St James Surgery
• Peter Street Surgery
• Buckland Medical Centre
• The High Street Surgery
• Lydden Surgery
• Aylesham Medical Practice
• Pencester Surgery
• White Cliffs Medical Centre
• Guildhall Street Surgery
• The Surgery (Lyminge)
• Sandgate Road Surgery
• The New Surgery
• Manor Clinic

Please note: If you are registered with another surgery in Kent, you will still be eligible for a service. To find out who your dementia co-ordinator is, please call 01622 943 257 or email us: hokh.dementiareferrals@nhs.net

Dementia & Me Co-ordinators will be a single point of contact for help and support for all things dementia across the area. Our Dementia & Me Co-Ordinators will be able to visit you in your own home, create a support plan, and offer a wide range of support and advice.

Our Dementia & Me Co-Ordinators can help you:

• Develop an adaptive support plan to help you manage changing needs throughout the dementia journey
• Highlight the importance of a diagnosis and attend Memory Assessment appointments with you and your carer
• Identify and arrange access to appropriate support groups for your diagnosis, offering support to take the first steps in these settings
• By offering emotional support and advice around diagnosis and difficulties arising from dementia symptoms
• Understand the services available locally and refer to and signpost to a wide variety of organisations with specialist expertise in dementia support or for other support needs

Though your co-ordinator may help you find more specialist advice in some instances, your assigned co-ordinator will remain with you throughout the process and act as a single point of contact, so that you don’t have to see a different person for every problem you may encounter.

To find out who your Dementia & Co-ordinator is for the above surgery’s is please call 01304 207268

Meet the Dementia & Me team

Our Dementia Co-Ordinatiors are a single point of contact for help and support for all things dementia related across the area and will be able to visit you in your own home, create a support plan, and offer a wide range of support and advice. 

Memory Cafes

These sessions are informal gatherings for anyone who may need support, information or advice about all aspects of Dementia. Join us for advice, a cuppa, or just a chat at:

The Riverside Centre on the first Wednesday of every month from 10am until 12pm and Lydden Village Hall on the third Monday of the month from 10am until 12pm

Carers Coffee Mornings

Join us on the 3rd Friday of every month from 10.00-12.00 for advice, a cuppa, or just a chat . The coffee mornings are an informal gathering for anyone who may need support, information or advice about all aspects of Dementia and to meet other carers to share experience

Information & Advice

Do you need support such as care services?

Come along to one of our regular Drop-In Clinics for information and advice from a range of professionals such as:

• Dementia & Me Coordinator
• Mental Health Team
• Community Warden
• DDC
• Crossroads
• Carers Support

Fresh & Nutritious

Our Centre is open for a 2 course lunch for £8.00 or snacks from Mon – Fri

We also offer a 2 course lunch, delivered hot to your door, from  Mon – Fri & Sun for £10.00.  An Afternoon Tea can be added for an additional 4.00

The Riverside Centre Charity Shop

The Riverside Centre Charity shop is located in Biggin Street, Dover.

The proceeds from our shop go directly to The Riverside Centre to help provide the support that we offer.

Our high street shop has many different items for sale such as men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys and games, home furnishings, bric a brac, books and much much more.

We regularly post to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with special offers, promotions and stock.

Online shop coming soon

Donations

We are continuing to accept donations at our shop from Monday to Saturday between 9.00am and 3.30pm

Support Us

With your help the Riverside Centre can continue to reach out to more older people in the Dover community to give them the support they so desperately need.

Your donations go towards the centre being able to provide a community hub for adults offering social opportunities, activities, food & drink, essential support, advice and friendship. We also offer a range of services for the whole community.

It could be someone who is struggling with chronic loneliness or they need advice to help them cope with the problems later life can bring, no one should feel they have no one to turn to. 

With your help we can support so many more people, giving them the support, advice and companionship they need.

Thank you.

You can help us by making a donation by clicking on the Donate now button at the top of the page, in person, over the phone or by cheque.

Vacancies

Volunteer vacancies

Meal Delivery Drivers

Do you have between 2 & 4 hours spare per week? Would you like to give this time to help people within your local community? The Riverside Centre is seeking volunteers to join our friendly team to assist us in delivering hot meals to people in the Dover area.

We require:

Volunteers to help at lunch times to deliver meals to people in the local community between the hours of 11:30am and 1:00pm. The role will require car users. Mileage costs are paid. We offer a meal delivery service Mon – Fri & Sun

To apply please call 01304 207268 and speak to the Centre Manger

Charity shop volunteers

We are currently recruiting for volunteers to support our charity shop. We are looking for volunteers who can help sort donations and provide excellent customer service working on the shop floor. Some till experience would be beneficial however not essential as all training will be provided.

Shifts available: Wednesday 1pm – 4pm, Thursday 9am – 1pm and 1pm – 4pm, Friday 1pm – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm & 1pm – 4pm.

No previous experience required.

Part-time hours: 4 per week

To apply please call 01304 207268 and speak to the Centre Manger