Community film night in Chagford sparks conversation on dementia and ageing

A film night at The Globe Inn in Chagford brought together local people, charities, and community groups to talk about dementia, ageing, and compassionate care, despite heavy wind and rain on the night.

The event, organised by North East Dartmoor Care (NEDCare), featured a screening of The Father, a film widely praised for its powerful and realistic portrayal of dementia. 

After the film, attendees took part in an open discussion with a panel that included representatives from Wellmoor, the Chagford Community and Memory Café, and NEDCare.

READ NEXT: Discover 10 cosy Dartmoor pubs which are perfect for wet November evenings

Jane Tilsley, Registered Manager at NEDCare, said the evening was a valuable opportunity for honest conversation.

“It was a really good opportunity to talk about an important subject that's often overlooked and raise awareness of our charity as well as Wellmoor and The Chagford Community and Memory Café, who also work to support older people in our area,” she said.

“It was also truly special to have an open discussion with members of our community about dementia and other aspects of ageing. 

“Despite the atrocious weather, attendees participated thoroughly in the spirit of the evening by sharing personal experiences and commented afterwards on having felt inspired by the event. 

“Evenings like this remind us why it’s so important to keep raising awareness of ageing and care as part of a collective community to share compassion and hope.”

NEDCare said fundraising events like this one are essential to helping support their work. 

The charity provides home care to people across North East Dartmoor, including many who are funded by the local authority.

According to NEDCare, around 60% of their care hours go to local authority-funded clients, but the charity receives around £3 less per hour than it costs to provide the service. 

With over 600 hours of care provided each month to these clients, fundraising helps cover the shortfall.

“It is vital for us to host fundraising events since our charitable purpose is to provide care for all, regardless of their financial situation,” said Chloé Beal, Finance and Marketing at NEDCare. 

ABOVE: NEDCare staff in Moretonhampstead (Credit: NEDCare)

“Rising wage bills, National Insurance contributions along with fuel and transport costs mean that most private care agencies only offer their services to individuals who are wealthy enough to pay for their care. This is why our services are so vital in this area.”

NEDCare runs regular community activities, including coffee mornings in Chagford and Moretonhampstead, which are open to all.

They will also be taking part in Moretonhampstead’s Winter Fair on 29 November, welcoming visitors to their new office on The Square with a celebratory drink and homemade truffles.

Looking ahead, the charity plans another auction fundraiser next year at The White Hart Hotel in Moretonhampstead, following the success of their 2024 event, which raised over £7,000. 

They also hope to expand their care services towards Okehampton to meet local demand.

NEDCare is a Real Living Wage employer and one of the largest in Moretonhampstead. 

The organisation says it is always open to hearing from local people interested in working in social care.