Family & Carer Support
Carers Need Support Too
Helping families find information, understanding and connections to support across Hertfordshire.
Caring responsibilities often develop gradually. A family member may begin by helping with appointments, offering reassurance, supporting everyday routines or keeping in touch with services. As circumstances change, it is important to recognise the person’s wishes, maintain their dignity and involve them in decisions wherever possible.
Finding reliable information and understanding available support can help families feel more informed and confident. Dementia Outreach CIC aims to help families and unpaid carers discover relevant community resources, connect with local support organisations and access trustworthy information about living with dementia across Hertfordshire.
Family relationships are about more than caring responsibilities. Spending meaningful time together through familiar activities, music, photographs, conversation or shared interests can create opportunities for enjoyment and connection. We hope to encourage welcoming community environments where families feel listened to, carers can share experiences and people affected by dementia continue to feel valued and included.
Understanding the Needs of Families and Unpaid Carers
When someone is living with dementia, the people close to them may have questions about communication, everyday changes, future planning and where to turn for help. Family members and unpaid carers often provide support alongside work, caring for children and other responsibilities. Dementia Outreach CIC aims to offer a welcoming point of community connection while directing people to the specialist services best placed to advise on individual needs.
Supporting a person with dementia can involve rewarding moments as well as uncertainty, tiredness or isolation. No two caring situations are the same. Some relatives want practical information, while others want to speak with someone who understands their experiences or find time for activities they can enjoy together.
Carers also have their own wellbeing and support needs. Adults who provide unpaid care can request a free carer’s assessment from their local council, even if the person they care for has not had a needs assessment. Understanding what help is available can support families in making informed decisions and managing their caring responsibilities.
The Support We Aim to Encourage
Accessible Information and Signposting
Helping Families Find the Right Support
Families and unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia often need reliable information, practical guidance and reassurance. Knowing where to turn can make it easier to understand available services, explore support options and make informed decisions.
At Dementia Outreach CIC, we aim to help families identify trustworthy information and connect with established organisations across Hertfordshire. This includes signposting to dementia support services, carers’ organisations, community resources and information about carers’ assessments.
We recognise that every family’s circumstances are different. Some people may be looking for advice about communication and everyday changes, while others need information about financial assistance, their rights as unpaid carers or accessing professional support.
Our role is to encourage awareness, provide community connections and help people find appropriate sources of assistance. Where specialist assessment, medical advice, regulated personal care or formal care planning is required, we will direct enquiries towards suitably qualified services and relevant statutory organisations.
Our Vision
Building Connections and Emotional Wellbeing
Supporting someone living with dementia can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when family members and unpaid carers are balancing caring responsibilities with work, family life and their own wellbeing. Opportunities to connect with others who understand similar experiences can provide encouragement, reassurance and a sense of belonging.
Sharing experiences with other families can help people discover practical ideas, learn about available support and feel more connected to their communities. Some carers value informal conversations, while others may prefer organised groups or activities where they can meet people in similar circumstances.
At Dementia Outreach CIC, we aim to encourage welcoming community connections where families and unpaid carers can exchange experiences, access reliable information and feel listened to. We recognise the importance of respecting privacy, personal circumstances and individual choices.
We also believe that families should have opportunities to enjoy meaningful time together beyond everyday caring responsibilities. Familiar music, shared hobbies, gentle walks, creative activities and relaxed social gatherings can create positive experiences for people living with dementia and those close to them. Through our developing community activities, we hope to encourage enjoyment, inclusion and emotional wellbeing across Hertfordshire.
Dementia Carer Support Hertfordshire – Where to Find Help
Families and unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia can benefit from reliable information, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with others. Hertfordshire County Council provides information about carers’ assessments and available support, while Carers in Hertfordshire offers information and guidance for unpaid carers. Families can also explore Memory Support Hertfordshire for local dementia information and services. At Dementia Outreach CIC, we aim to encourage community connections and help families discover reliable resources. You can also explore our Social Inclusion & Connection page for information about reducing isolation and maintaining meaningful relationships.