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 with all ages to bring friendship, joy and a sense of community to older people living in Dorset.

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 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.

Hello, I’m Sarah…

I’m the founder of In Jolly Good Company, a not-for-profit company, 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 9am and 5pm 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

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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 (alternate weeks)
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 GARDEN GROUP

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.

  • “After a very stressful morning at the Doctor’s and pharmacy. It is great to think that we are getting in the car and coming to this group. Where I can relax!”

    A lady who cares for her husband who is living with dementia, Shaftesbury Jolly Days

  • “‘ I like coming here, we have a lot of laughs and it's like being with family.”

    Andy who lives with dementia - talking about ‘Step Outside’ at Kingston Lacy and our Jolly Strolls.

  • ‘‘Thank you for what you are doing for my Mum and others. She loves the Jolly Days and is responding to the activities. She feels comfortable with the people there.’’

    Chris, Wimborne St Giles Jolly Days

  • “I have noticed a change in her since she has been coming to the Jolly Days. Her spirits have lifted and she feels valued.”

    Rosemarie, talking about a valued friend, Wimborne St Giles Jolly Days

  • “She is already responding better here, after a few months – than she did after a whole year at another group.”

    Gillian, whose mother attended In Jolly Good Company taster day at Wimborne St Giles  

GET INVOLVED

You are welcome to join us and take part in our activities, meet new friends or just relax and catch up with old friends. Similarly if you have a special talent or skill you think we would enjoy please get in touch. This is a community and every single person involved is important. After all, without you we wouldn't exist!

JOIN US

If you would like to come to one of our groups click below to find out more. You can also sign up to our Newsletter so you always know what's going on and where.

VOLUNTEER

We have a lovely group of volunteers on board at the moment and I couldn't do this without them. It's not only incredibly rewarding but it’s also jolly good fun.

MAKE A DONATION

If you'd like to help us financially, and every little really does help, please do make a donation to our Localgiving page. Equally, you may like to fund raise for us.

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.