Peer support is really important. I tend to clam up with other people. But since I’ve started communicating, it’s put me in a much better place. Everyone has the same problems, and we share them. I feel more at home now on ZOOM than anywhere else.

We’ve written a guide to setting up a virtual peer support meeting using Zoom. (Read this guide by the Zoomettes group here).

If you’ve just had a new diagnosis of dementia, things will improve, things will get better. Seek help from whatever organisation is out there that you feel you can approach and get help from. There’s DEEP networks all over the country – this is peer support, and these groups are run by people with dementia for people with dementia. (Listen to Chris Maddocks’ Dementia Diary here).

What I’ve gained through the connection with like-minded people during Covid has been phenomenal.

Join a local group, it’s a great source of local information.

Try different groups, and keep trying ’til you find the right one(s). Don’t be afraid to leave if it’s not right (but leave with a good feeling).