Albert & Maureen's story

Finding a weekly lifeline through dementia support in Birmingham

Albert and Maureen were both born and raised in Birmingham, and met as children living on the same street. As they say, the rest is history. Next year, in 2027, they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary — six decades built on a lifetime of happy memories, raising two children who have since given them four wonderful grandchildren. Albert loves to talk about the adventures they've shared over the years, travelling the world together, with Hawaii — visited three times now — a firm favourite.

Albert spent his working life as a Universal Grinder, supplying spare parts for Hoover vacuums, while Maureen worked as a supervisor in an office producing glaze paints. Now retired, they expected these years to be about grandchildren, holidays and quiet time together.

When dementia changed their lives

Life changed for Albert and Maureen in 2018, when Maureen was diagnosed with dementia after the couple began to notice changes in her. Albert is now Maureen's full-time carer. He has taken on most of the household chores, alongside making sure Maureen's needs are met every day — a role he stepped into with very little guidance.

Like many people caring for a partner with dementia, Albert wasn't sure what support was available or where to turn after the diagnosis. It was their daughter, who works for the NHS, who was able to point them in the right direction and share the information they needed. One of the services she suggested was a monthly dementia café in Northfield, Birmingham — a lifeline for the couple in those early, uncertain days. But when local ICB funding changed, the group, like many others, was forced to close.

This is a story that will be familiar to many carers and families searching for dementia support: a service that offers connection and reassurance suddenly disappearing, just when it's needed most. It's a reminder of how easily vital community support can be lost without the right funding behind it — and why that funding matters so much.

Finding a new dementia support group in Bournville

Thankfully, Royal Voluntary Service was able to source new funding to set up dementia support groups across Birmingham, including one in Bournville, which Albert and Maureen now attend every week.

For Albert and Maureen, the group has become more than just a weekly outing — it's a source of friendship, familiarity and support that fits naturally into their lives, and a welcome constant for anyone finding their way through a dementia diagnosis.

Music, friendship & fun at group

Music has always run through both their lives. Albert used to play guitar in a band called The Panthers, and while the band no longer performs, he still picks up his guitar from time to time — and has recently started bringing it along to group sessions, entertaining fellow members with a song or two.

It's a simple joy, but a powerful one — a moment each week where Maureen can connect, sing, and be fully herself.

Why dementia support Groups matter

For couples like Albert and Maureen, dementia support groups offer far more than an afternoon of activities. They provide a sense of belonging, a break in routine, friendly and knowledgeable support, and the chance to simply enjoy each other's company in a warm, welcoming space — the very things a dementia diagnosis can otherwise put at risk.

Their story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when local dementia support is properly funded and available — and what's lost when it isn't. With continued support, Royal Voluntary Service can keep offering dementia groups like the one in Bournville to more people like Albert and Maureen, at the times in their lives when they need it most.

Looking for dementia support near you?

If you or someone you love is living with dementia, or you're caring for a partner, parent or friend with dementia, you don't have to manage alone. Royal Voluntary Service runs dementia support groups, including Remember Me Cafés and Living Well with Dementia groups, offering activities, friendship and practical support for people living with dementia and their carers.