Romsey Dementia Action Group (ROMDAG)
Romsey Dementia Action Group, known as ROMDAG, started back in 2015 after the town earned its dementia-friendly status. Local people spotted a gap: many felt cut off and unsure where to turn after a diagnosis. The group stepped in to change that, building a network of practical help and social ties across the area.
At its core, ROMDAG focuses on three main strands. Outreach keeps people connected through regular meet-ups like singing sessions, arts and crafts workshops, games afternoons, and a memory choir that lifts spirits with familiar tunes.
Signposting points families towards the right services, from national charities to local helplines, making the path after diagnosis less daunting. Education spreads understanding wider, with resources and talks that help shops, pubs, and neighbours respond better when someone needs a bit of patience or guidance.
The big annual highlight remains Demfest, held at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. This free day mixes live music from groups like the Romsey Ukulele Group and Cinnamon Jazz with information stalls and gentle activities open to everyone.
Smaller gatherings pop up too, such as information days at Crosfield Hall where organisations share advice on everything from legal matters to daily living aids. Weekly carers’ support and drop-in cafés provide steady spots to talk things through over a cuppa.
Feedback from those who attend paints a positive picture. Attendees often describe events as welcoming and genuinely useful, praising the knowledgeable volunteers and the sense of not facing things alone.
One visitor to a recent information day called the range of services “very informative and staffed by people who understood the issues,” while Demfest regularly draws compliments for its uplifting mix of entertainment and support that brings families together without feeling heavy.
ROMDAG runs entirely on volunteer effort and donations, now as a registered charity. Anyone touched by dementia, whether directly or through family, finds straightforward ways to get involved or seek help through the group’s website or a quick message.