Join the jollity
In Jolly Good Company exists to help alleviate the physical and mental issues caused by loneliness and isolation. We are a dementia friendly organisation and work creatively with all ages to bring friendship, joy and a sense of community to older people living in Dorset.
What makes Jolly Days so special?
We work with our guests to develop their own creativity. This can be through art, movement, music, gardening and a unique approach to improvisation called Instant Theatre. The emphasis is always on the process rather than the end product, there are no wrong ways to do anything and there are no mistakes or wrong answers. This is very liberating for people with memory loss. Jolly Days have been described as uplifting, warm and friendly and give people permission to let go and have fun.
We are delighted that our recent Evaluation Report confirmed what we have always suspected, that attending Jolly Days has a positive impact on the wellbeing of guests, carers and wider family members. People make new friends, keep mentally and physically active and try new things. As a result, 84% of guests feel happier and 86% feel less lonely. For carers attending sessions, the groups provide opportunities for them to connect with others in a similar situation and receive support (respite as well as practical advice). And for wider family members, knowing their loved ones are enjoying themselves in a safe and supportive environment brings them reassurance, as well as something to talk about when they visit or phone.
CHARGES
We really rely on the donations from our guests who attend our groups. Whilst there is no set charge we encourage people to give as much as they can afford. We are a registered charity and we constantly need to raise funds to subsidise our Jolly Days. It currently costs us £50 per guest for a Jolly Day and £70 per head when lunch is supplied.
Hello, I’m Sarah…
I’m the founder of In Jolly Good Company, a registered charity, set up to benefit people with or without memory loss in Dorset.
As we age it can be hard to feel connected or part of a community - In Jolly Good Company offers you the chance to have fun with and feel supported by like-minded people. We are open for all.
Please feel free to get in touch on any weekday between 9 am and 5 pm for a friendly chat. If I can't answer, please leave me a message and I will call you back. My work number is 07884 333117 or you can email me at sarah@injollygoodcompany.com
WHEN WE MEET
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up to date with our news, and be informed of what we have planned for the coming month. Just go to the bottom of the page and fill in your name and email address.
Booking is essential for all of these activities
MONDAYS (1st and 3rd)
12 pm - 4 pm Jolly Days, Wimborne St Giles Village Hall, Wimborne BH21 5LX
MONDAYS (2nd and 4th)
2 pm - 4 pm Jolly Days Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford, DT11 7DN (next to the post office)
TUESDAY (alternate weeks)
10 am - 12 pm Jolly Days, Royal British Legion, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PF
WEDNESDAY (2nd and 4th)
2 - 4 pm Jolly Days, The Guide Hall, 24 Ashurst Road, West Moors, BH22 0LS
THURSDAYS (1st and 3rd)
2 - 4 pm Jolly Days, Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HR
FRIDAYS (2nd and 4th)
2 pm - 4 pm ‘Step Outside’ garden group at Kingston Lacy Allotments, BH21 4EG
JOLLY DAYS
Our uplifting and fun activity meetings are a chance to make new friends of all ages (some may be four-legged) and feel valued and part of a community, enjoy life and discover new interests with the unique chance to appreciate local musicians, artists and craftspeople. Delicious refreshments are included. Our Jolly Days are suitable for people with or without memory loss.
STEP OUTSIDE
Our ‘Step Outside’ group meet every Friday at Kingston Lacy Estate and every other Monday at Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford. We also have raised beds at Wimborne St Giles First School which we visit as part of our Jolly Days.
No gardening experience is necessary, tools are provided and we break for a cuppa. There are toilet facilities on site.
OUR PATRON
NICHOLAS ASHLEY-COOPER, 12TH EARL OF SHAFTESBURY
In Jolly Good Company is a vital initiative bringing people together and building stronger communities. Isolation and loneliness affects us all, whether we live in the countryside or in urban areas, and it’s fantastic the team are helping people to overcome this. I am very proud to be supporting it.
Fancy volunteering?
Become a ‘Jolly Volly’
We couldn’t do any of what we do or support the numbers of people we do without the help of our amazing volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, we currently need people to help at Jolly St Giles, West Moors and our Step Outside allotments at Kingston Lacy. We are also seeking volunteers who would like to enable our guests to take part in the activities on offer and we are busy building a Jolly Fundraising Team. Whatever your talents, you will be much appreciated, well supported and part of a friendly team.
