The development of Parklands Dementia Resource Centre represents a significant transformation in how the Island supports people living with a dementia, their families and their carers. What began in 2009 as one monthly Alzheimer Café has evolved over time into a network of cafés across the Island and a dementia centre offering connection and practical support for those navigating the challenges of dementia – and it is open five days a week. Our story is one of collaboration, persistence and a shared belief that people affected by dementia need more than services – they need community and connection.
Continuity, familiarity and safe spaces
For many years, Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight operated cafés across the Island, delivering informal education and peer support. Our cafés were popular and impactful, but over time a shared understanding emerged – people needed more. Families repeatedly expressed how isolating the dementia journey could be. Carers described feeling overwhelmed or alone. People living with a dementia asked for continuity, familiarity and safe spaces they could visit regularly, not just once a month.
Across the Island, it became clear that the system, though filled with dedicated professionals, was fragmented and accessing the right support could feel overwhelming as it required navigating multiple agencies, appointments, locations and processes.
Meanwhile, the local dementia strategy highlighted the same issues – people wanted flexible daytime support, a community space, advice without long wait times and activities that brought meaning back into everyday life. Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight listened. Volunteers listened. Carers listened. Professionals listened. What they heard was a call to do something bigger; to build a space where everything came together.
Bringing this vision to life
The vision for Parklands was simple yet bold – a welcoming, dementia-friendly space open five days a week where anyone affected by dementia could drop in without barriers; a place that offered not only companionship and conversation but also structured activities and outings, guidance, therapies, information and education and practical support; a place where carers could breathe and where people with dementia could feel valued, safe and part of something vibrant.
Bringing this vision to life took years of planning, months of renovation and the collective effort of staff, volunteers, tradespeople, trustees, community partners and supporters across the Island. The Parklands building on Park Road, which had previously been a children’s home, was identified as the right location, though in need of significant work.
The first phase, the Community Café, opened in April 2024, and the rest officially launched just weeks later in May. From the outset, it was clear how much the project meant to people: around 200 guests attended the grand opening, expressing warmth, relief and hope for what Parklands would become.
Structured, meaningful engagement
Since opening our doors, Parklands has grown into a bustling, ever evolving hive of activity. Our Parklands Café offers a relaxed, friendly space where anyone affected by dementia can walk in, be welcomed by a friendly face, enjoy refreshments and make connections. The daily Wellbeing Club provides structured, meaningful engagement for people living with a dementia – art sessions, gentle exercise, reminiscence work, day trips, pampering, games, music, gardening, cooking and creative workshops. Activities are shaped around enjoyment and dignity, giving guests a sense of purpose and a chance to express themselves.
On different days, Parklands offers drop-in sessions with our local partners including Carers IW and Age UK IW. We also have a salon offering hairdressing and barbering services, and host Healthwell Solutions who provide massage, chiropody, osteopathy and more. In short, Parklands has become a ‘one-stop’ resource where community, professional guidance and meaningful activity blend seamlessly.
Behind the scenes, staff and volunteers play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere and ensuring the centre runs smoothly. Volunteers help with guests, co-ordinate activities, support families, and bring energy and warmth to every interaction. From managing the wellbeing programme and co-ordinating partner sessions, to providing emotional and practical support to visitors, our team is always on the go. Everyone contributes to a culture of acceptance and fun – a culture in which dementia does not define a person’s experience at Parklands.
A pioneering approach
Of course, the journey has not been without challenges. The building needed extensive renovation, and in the early months staff and guests navigated noise, dust, lift installation and occasional power interruptions with humour and patience. But it was all worth it.
Guests describe Parklands as the highlight of their week, a place where they can laugh again, a space where they feel understood. ‘Walking into Parklands is like walking into a big hug,’ described one of our regular visitors. Carers report feeling less alone. Professionals across the Island are referring people earlier. Parklands was thrilled to have recently received the Markel 3rd Sector Care Award for its pioneering approach, recognising the difference it makes in the lives of families living with a dementia.
Where isolation is replaced with community
Yet the true vision stretches far beyond awards or even current services. The long-term aim is to create a fully integrated, sustainable model of dementia support for the Isle of Wight. A model that places wellbeing, dignity, connection and joy at its heart. Parklands aims to be the place where dementia is met not with fear but with empathy; where carers receive the support they need; where people at any stage of dementia can participate, contribute, feel valued and live well. Where isolation is replaced with community.
Ultimately, Parklands was built on a simple belief: that people living with a dementia and those who love them deserve a safe, joyful, accessible place to belong. The story of Parklands is the story of listening, responding and building something better together and while the centre is already transformed lives, its future promises even more; a thriving space at the heart of the Island, dedicated to helping people live well, feel connected and find comfort and hope throughout the dementia journey.
Nominations for the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2026 have now closed. For the latest information and announcements, follow @3rdsectorcare on X and Facebook and visit the Awards webpage.
Maggie Bennett is Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight. Email: [email protected] Facebook: @AlzheimerCafeIOW
Did you know?
The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards has moved to one of Birmingham’s most prestigious venues for 2026, the B:Music Symphony & Town Hall. CMM cannot wait to welcome finalists on Friday 17th April 2026 for an unforgettable celebration of excellence in the care sector.
Finalists for the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2026 have been notified via email and will be announced via CMM’s channels. Finalists will progress to an online Judging Day to determine the winner in each category, taking place on 6th February 2026.