June 28, 2025 Events, News

Nationwide Chooses Dementia Carers Respite as Local Charity of the Year

We’re delighted that our local cluster of Nationwide Building Society has chosen Dementia Carers Respite as their Local Charity of the Year. This generous support comes soon after the news that Chiltern Hospital has also selected us for the same honour—two encouraging partnerships that will help us continue providing vital respite for family carers of people living with dementia.

On 11th June 2025, our founder and chairman Walid Marzouk, along with trustee Tim Garnham, met with Nationwide’s Senior Branch Manager Kerry Compton at their High Wycombe branch. Joining them was our patron and much-loved TV personality Eric Knowles. Kerry, who leads Nationwide’s local cluster of branches, shared their commitment to supporting dementia causes, including their ongoing partnership with Dementia UK. Inspired by our mission to support family carers, she made the decision to extend Nationwide’s local support to Dementia Carers Respite.

The meeting was filled with energy, ideas, and excitement—including the bold suggestion of a parachute jump as a potential fundraiser! Kerry also expressed enthusiasm about potentially spreading this support even further across the region.

Plans are now underway for a series of joint fundraising activities and community events to be rolled out over the coming year—and possibly beyond. Both teams are incredibly positive about this new partnership and the difference we can make together. With one shared goal—to provide vital respite for family carers of people living with dementia—we look forward to working side-by-side with Nationwide across the Chilterns and beyond.

If you’d like to support us too, you can:
Donate at https://dementia-respite.org.uk/donate
Or get involved by emailing support@dementia-respite.org.uk

June 18, 2025 Events, News

Another moving and enlightening event for our Chiltern Dementia Friendly Project

On May 15th, in partnership with Wendover Dementia Support, we hosted a moving and enlightening event in Wendover as part of our Chiltern Dementia Friendly Project—a growing initiative from Dementia Carers Respite to build more compassionate, dementia-aware communities in the Chiltern area.

Following the success of our January launch, this latest event brought together carers, families, and supporters for an unforgettable afternoon that both touched hearts and opened minds.
We were honoured to welcome Dr. Pippa Moreton, who delivered an enlightening talk titled “What is Dementia?” Her clear and empathetic explanation of the stages of dementia resonated with many in the room, offering practical and compassionate strategies to help support those living with the condition.

The emotional core of the evening came from special guest Scott Mitchell, who shared the deeply personal journey of his late wife, Dame Barbara Windsor and her battle with dementia. His heartfelt tribute brought many to tears and served as a poignant reminder of the human face of this condition.

The audience stayed well after the talks concluded—asking thoughtful questions, expressing gratitude, and taking time to connect personally with Scott and our speakers.

The Chiltern Dementia Friendly Project continues to grow, helping foster greater awareness, understanding, and support across our community. We’re proud of this important work—but we can’t do it without you. If you’d like to support us, please consider donating at https://dementia-respite.org.uk/donate or get involved as a volunteer by emailing us at support@dementia-respite.org.uk

Together, we can make our community a better place for those living with dementia—and for those who care for them.

May 15, 2025 Events, News

Chiltern Hospital & Dementia Carers Respite

Another great day for Dementia Carers Respite (DCR)and another big mile stone.
Just over one year after an Invitation to No 10 Downing street to The Dementia Reception, we learnt that arguably the best private hospital in Buckinghamshire, The Chiltern Hospital, has selected us as their Charity of the year ( COTY).
On the 9th of May 2025 Walid Marzouk and Trustee Tim Garnham from DCR met with Fraser Dawson, Yin Tso and Lynne Devlin from The Chiltern Hospital.

In a positive spirit, both parties discussed ways of cooperation with some details on potential joint community events and support that the Charity can hope to receive.
This is a big opportunity for our Charity to further strengthen it’s position as a key Local Dementia Charity with the respite it offers to Family Carers. The cooperation also reconfirms The Chiltern Hospital commitment as a Corporate Social responsible organisation supporting local communities.

We are grateful for The Chiltern Hospital’s wonderful staff for selecting us.
If you would like to volunteer please email support@dementia-respite.org.uk

May 4, 2025 Events, News

DCR Celebrity Antiques Valuation Event- With Eric Knowles -Amersham Museum- 3rd June 2025

DCR Celebrity Antiques Valuation Event- With Eric Knowles and other antiques experts. At Amersham Museum- 3rd June 2025- 11-4pm

January 29, 2025 Events, News

Dementia Carers Respite Hosts Hugely Successful Talk on “Introduction to Contented Dementia”

Dementia Carers Respite (DCR) is delighted to announce the success of its recent talk

“Introduction to Contented Dementia,” delivered by the esteemed Michael Rowan. The event, part of the Chiltern Dementia Friendly Project, was held at the White Hill Centre in Chesham on the 28th of January.

Michael Rowan captivated the audience with his insightful presentation, exploring the symptoms of dementia and the lived experience of those diagnosed. He shed light on practical approaches for carers to deepen their understanding of what people with dementia are going through and offered compassionate strategies for providing meaningful support.
The engaging session drew praise from attendees, who found the talk both informative and inspiring. Michael’s ability to connect with the audience ensured a thought-provoking and valuable experience for all present.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Parveiz Aslam MBE, Events Director at DCR, said:
“This is one of many talks we have planned throughout the Chilterns, including regular pop-in sessions. I’m delighted with the response we received at this event. It was heart-warming to hear real-life stories and witness how the public engaged with the session. The positive feedback has truly affirmed the value of these initiatives.”
Dementia Carers Respite would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the White Hill Centre in Chesham for generously hosting this important event. The organisation also acknowledges the dedication and effort of the DCR trustees, whose support was instrumental in bringing the talk to life.

For more information about Dementia Carers Respite, the Chiltern Dementia Friendly Project, and future events, please contact: https://dementia-respite.org.uk/

December 16, 2024 Dementia Carers Respite News, News

4 events in 2 weeks for Dementia Carers Respite Part 2

Charity volunteers have fun at events while helping good causes.

Close on the heels of Chesham Christmas market, Dementia Carers Respite was present at the Amersham Christmas Festival on the 2^nd of December when Cllr Mimi Harker OBE, Cllr Mark Roberts and Mayor Dominic Pinkney visited us. During the day, we enjoyed a number of discussions with visitors including potential volunteers and raised money by selling Christmas Cards. We have our name down already for 2025.

November 26, 2024 Events, News

4 events in 2 weeks for Dementia Carers Respite Part 1

On the 22^nd and 30^th November

Dementia Carers Respite (DCR) had a wonderful time participating in the Christmas in Chesham event on the 22nd of November. It was a delight to connect with so many people, many of whom shared touching stories and generously donated to support our cause, despite the chilly weather. We are grateful for the warm-hearted community spirit that was shown. A big thank you from the Chairman and the trustees to Katy and Peter Jones who are always willing to support and help whenever they can

If you missed us in Chesham, don’t worry—DCR will also be at the Amersham Christmas Charity festival held at St Michael ‘s Church on Sycamore Road on Saturday 30^th November. We will be there all day and hope to meet as many of you as possible, so come along for a chat. We would love to talk to you about the good work our charity is doing in Buckinghamshire. Your kindness makes a difference

Outside the church is Santa's Grotto where Santa will be waiting, so bring the kids along to meet him and pick up some Christmas goodies from the market stalls. If you can, why not wait and join in with the Christmas lights switch on.

Volunteering for a Charity can be fun, as well as make a difference if you get involved a few times a year for a couple of hours or so. What’s not to like? For more info contact support@dementia-respite.org.uk

Look out for Part 2 to follow next week

November 14, 2024 News

A very successful second Golf Day & Dinner

On the 26th September Dementia Carers Respite held the second Golf Day & Dinner at Harewood Downs.

The golf was rained off, but it did not in any way dampened the mood for a lovely evening.

The same as last year, the food, service and overall organisation were very good and appreciated by everyone.

Speeches includes an annual update by the Chairman Walid Marzouk on the charity’s progress with many mile stones reached, thanks to a great team. The crux of the matter was that the Charity has in a year, set up a working operation giving respite to dementia carers and receiving heartfelt comments of appreciation.

The Amersham Mayor Dominic Pinkney talked about the many good projects going on in Amersham and his early support and counsel to help set up Dementia Carers Respite.

Our Patron Eric Knowles was as always was both informative with his own experience of dementia and shared entertaining anecdotes with his attentive audience.

In 2023 we had a good golf day and dinner and raised £3341, this year we more than doubled our income raising a massive £7355.33 - equivalent to almost 300 hours of respite.

The money raised included donation from a few who could not attend, one of which was £1000 received on the day of the event.

A brilliant evening was enjoyed by all, the raffle prizes were once again high value, thanks mainly to Kathy Lansbury and Helen Green. The auction by Cotswolds racehorse trainer Richard Phillips was, as expected after last year, very entertaining and was the biggest contributor, with the 2 highest value items from friends of the Charity . All income on the day was brilliantly managed and logged in by Peter Healy, who did a great job helping wherever he could.
Without the contribution of our generous and supporting guests, none of it would have possible.

In supporting us, they know that money raised will go to give much needed respite to Dementia Family Carers who are desperate for a little time away from their mentally and physically demanding role and are very much appreciative of any help they receive.

We can’t wait for 2025!!!

July 30, 2024 News

Amersham Mayor agreed to join Harewood Downs Golf and Dinner Day

Amersham Mayor Dominic Pinkney and founder of Dementia Carers Respite Walid Marzouk

It was a pleasure to meet Dominic at the Volunteer fair and delighted that I could congratulate him on his appointment as Mayor for the wonderful town of Amersham.

Dominic was involved with our charity at the very beginning when it was only an idea that I shared with him and received wonderful advice on how to set up a charity. As busy as he is, he still has time for us to give support and advice

I am delighted to say that he agreed to join us in his Mayoral capacity at the Golf and Dinner day planned for the 26^th September at Harewood Downs/Near Amersham.

For further information email support@dementia-respite.org.uk