Activities, Training and Community Events
The Forum delivers a wide range of activities, training opportunities, and social events designed to improve health, wellbeing, confidence, and community connection.
Health and Wellbeing Activities
We provide opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, social, and engaged through activities including:
- Young at Heart
- Tai Chi
- Lunch Clubs
- Singing for the Soul
- Batters Group (table tennis)
- Sequence Dancing
- Indoor Carpet Bowling
- Darts
- Community Bingo
- JABADAO Late Stage Dementia Project
- Mens Talk Group
- Open Door Art Project for adults with learning disabilities
- Stay and Play Baby Group
- Stroke, Cancer, Parkinson’s and Dementia Support
Dementia Support Services
Over recent years, the Forum has developed a strong programme of dementia-friendly support services for people living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, as well as their carers.
We currently run five weekly dementia-focused activities, alongside several other inclusive groups and sessions. Thanks to continued support from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, People Keeping Well in their Community, and SOAR, we are able to continue delivering our much-valued Memory Cafés and support programmes.
Our well-established JABADAO group provides specialist support for people with mid to late-stage Dementia or Alzheimer’s and their carers.
Specialist Support Groups
Alongside our dementia services, the Forum also provides a range of friendly and supportive groups for people affected by long-term health conditions and life-changing illnesses.
These include:
- Stroke Support
- Stroke Exercise
- Cancer Support
- Parkinson’s Support
- Parkinson’s Exercise
Our groups offer a welcoming space where people can meet others with shared experiences, access peer support, reduce isolation, and build confidence and wellbeing within a supportive community environment.
Community Events
Throughout the year, we organise a variety of social and community events including:
- Tea dances
- Pantomimes
- Day trips
- Short holidays
- Seasonal celebrations
Visit our events page or contact us to find out what’s coming up next.
4) Rooms for Hire
We have a range of welcoming spaces available to hire for meetings, groups, and community events, with prices starting from just £12 per hour.
Catering options are also available for meetings and events.
Please contact us for availability and pricing information.
Sorry, no private parties.
How We Work
The Forum acts as a link between residents, organisations, contractors, and local developments to help ensure community issues are addressed efficiently and effectively.
St Thomas More Community Centre
We manage the lease for the St Thomas More Community Centre and work to maximise its use for local people and groups. Our aim is to strengthen community activity, support local organisations, and generate income that can be reinvested into improving the centre and its facilities.
We actively seek funding opportunities to ensure the building remains accessible, welcoming, and fit for purpose for years to come.
Redevelopment and Regeneration
We work with partner organisations and statutory services to ensure local people are involved in regeneration opportunities and redevelopment projects, including:
- GP Hubs
- Brownfield redevelopment sites
What We Don’t Do
Although we always try to help wherever possible, there are limits to what we can provide due to funding, resources, and specialist expertise. When we cannot help directly, we will always try to connect people with the right organisations and services across the region.
The Forum’s role is to support and strengthen community services — not replace them. Where gaps in provision exist, we work with partners to encourage new services, groups, or projects that meet local needs.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone feels valued and able to participate, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, disability, or background.
We also work with local authorities and housing providers to campaign for:
- Safe, affordable, and high-quality housing
- Investment in existing homes
- New housing opportunities that allow people to remain within the community
Most importantly, we believe in being honest and realistic. We will never promise something we cannot deliver, and we understand the frustrations that can come with delays and bureaucracy. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to supporting our community and creating positive change wherever we can.