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The Story of our Children's Group
Our Children’s Group began in 2015 with one family and a simple but powerful question: where is the support for the children?
When a father was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease, his family received support through Admiral Nursing and our YPWD service. But while services existed for adults and partners, there was almost nothing for their two young daughters. This gap became the starting point for everything that followed.
With the family’s consent, they were introduced to another family in a similar situation. What began as a small step toward peer support revealed something vital: when families come together, they realise they are not alone.
Children were able to play, connect, and express themselves. Parents found understanding, shared experience, and mutual support.
"Coming here takes my mind off the fact that my dad has dementia. It's fun to be here and a nice way of relaxing, making new friends and developing new skills."
- Participant, age 12
The Children's Group
The aim of the Children's Group is to bring young people under the age of 18 together in a safe, relaxed space to meet others who understand. This group is aimed at children who have or support a parent with young onset dementia. Our sessions combine creative arts, conversation and (of course) pizza!
This group is supported by staff members from Younger People with Dementia, Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse service, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the Museum of English Rural Life. They are there to facilitate the session and answer any questions.
These sessions are free to attend.
Caring for a parent can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you're not alone.
How often does the group run?
Our Children’s Group runs monthly from March to October, alongside additional festive sessions.
To join our group, we must support your parent or family member. Our support services currently run in Berkshire, Surrey Heath, North East Hampshire and Farnham.
If you would like to register your interest for our group, please get in touch at:
Please contact Hayley Noades who leads on the group if you would like some more information.
07717 176429
As more families came forward, the need became undeniable.
We began raising awareness through local media, highlighting the often-overlooked experiences of children living with a parent with young onset dementia. This helped bring visibility to a group that had previously been largely unsupported. Our response grew alongside the needs of families, and so our projects included:
An art therapy programme created a safe space for children aged 6–14
A children’s book, later dramatised in schools, helped build understanding among peers
A multi-agency working group brought together expertise from across Berkshire
Growing through partnership
With seed funding from the University of Reading, we developed a reminiscence-based project that was researched over three years. Co-produced in partnership with Admiral Nursing and the Museum of English Rural Life, this work demonstrated measurable positive outcomes for families, including:
• Increased emotional wellbeing for children
• Reduced isolation for both children and parents
• Stronger family connections through shared activities
The programme was supported and evaluated by postgraduate researchers, ensuring a robust evidence base for future development.
Where we are today
Today, our Children’s Group runs annually from March to October, alongside additional festive sessions.
What began with one family has grown into a sustained, evidence-informed programme supporting children and families through connection, creativity, and shared understanding.
Children living with a parent with young onset dementia are often overlooked in traditional support systems. Early, targeted support can make a lasting difference to their emotional wellbeing and resilience.
With your support, we can ensure that no child faces this experience alone.