Exeter dementia care not-for-profit celebrates 12th birthday

THE Filo Project, an Exeter dementia care and support not-for-profit organisation, is celebrating its 12th birthday.

The social enterprise has supported more than 5000 people and earned numerous awards for its innovative care, whereby paid, trained hosts welcome small groups of people with early to moderate dementia into their homes for the day.

There are groups across Devon, including Crediton, Okehampton, Bideford, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Paignton and Torbay.

Transport is provided where possible, as well as a home‑cooked lunch and activities that suit the group’s interests.

The intimate, homely setting allows people to grow in confidence and make friends, with many finding their dementia symptoms stabilise or even improve. Meanwhile, family carers have regular, extended respite from the challenges of looking after their loved one.

The organisation started out in 2014 with just two groups in Devon, and has since expanded to nearly 100 groups across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Cornwall, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and East Lancashire, and 90 employees. It also now provides family support and wellbeing services.

Carol Scott’s husband attends The Filo Project twice a week and says: “My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago. Initially he attended one group every week and then two. Seven years from diagnosis, I am still astonished at the benefits brought by Filo.”

“My husband looks forward to his sessions because he has a stimulating day, likes his hosts and has company which is not me. The fact that we are still able to go on all sorts of holidays is, I believe, the result of his attendance at Filo groups.

“We go on cruises, self catering holidays and package tours and he participates well in all the activities on offer.”

“His short term memory is worse than it was but he is still very sociable and the deterioration I had expected has not yet materialised.”

“The other great benefit is that on two days a week my time is my own. I know my husband is safe, fed and in stimulating company and that he is reliably collected and returned home while I can pursue my own interests and responsibilities.”

Jo Milsom has hosted a Filo Project group in her home for four years and says: “I enjoy opening up my home and creating a safe, welcoming space where people feel comfortable, supported and listened to. Every day is different, but at the heart of it all is making it a fun, enjoyable day with no pressure to join in with activities they don’t enjoy or wish to do.

“Each person is an individual and so are their experiences, but when they come together, they listen and support each other which is so lovely to see! I absolutely love all the chat and laughter that goes on, and especially listening to so many interesting stories.”

Libby Price, CEO and Co-Founder of The Filo Project, says: “Dementia takes so much from families and is incredibly challenging. But people can live a good life for longer if we treat them as the valued person they still are – that’s the whole ethos we’re built on.

“We’re proud to have overcome the challenges of the pandemic and expanded into new areas through local authorities seeking us out. It shows how good quality dementia care and support is so desperately needed.

“We’re now planning a new peer support service where families can meet others going through similar challenges, and working to improve care for people who have dementia and live alone.”

To find out more about The Filo Project or if you are interested in becoming a host visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.