Ray's story

Finding a lifeline after losing his wife

Ray is 80 years old and lives near Lancing, West Sussex. Ray sadly lost his wife in 2022, and he's lived alone since. 

When dementia changed his life

Finding support through family & Royal Voluntary Service

Ray's niece, Angela, has volunteered for Royal Voluntary Service for 12 years. She told Ray all about the different groups and activities on offer at the local Royal Voluntary Service centre, Chesham House and suggested he came along.

Ray's main concern was getting to and from the centre safely. He had no one to drive him, public transport wasn't practical for someone living with dementia, and he didn't have the confidence to use a local taxi, which, given the distance and cost involved, would have been impractical.

He started using the local community transport service and was paired with volunteer driver Dean and the two have built up a great friendship. With Ray's dementia creating obvious difficulties in his life, his relationship with Dean has meant he's regained the confidence to get out and about, see people, and join in with activities, all essential in maintaining some independence and quality of life. They enjoy plenty of chat during the weekly journeys, and both look forward to the banter and laughs their friendship brings.

A team of local Royal Voluntary Service volunteers manages the running of the Transport Service, including scheduling, speaking to those who need help, and coordinating drivers' routes each day. Dean is also on hand to take Ray to medical appointments at the surgery and hospital, and to pick up his prescriptions. Without Royal Voluntary Service, many people would really struggle to cope with day-to-day living. The Transport Service is so much more than a taxi service, it's a real, essential lifeline to those who need it.

Lunch club, dementia support & a full weekly diary

Once Ray had transport in place, he was able to come to the centre and see what was on offer. He quickly discovered the regular lunch club, which he now attends three times a week, alongside the dementia support group, designed to help people living with dementia and their carers. Ray now spends three full days each week taking part in the activities on offer at Chesham House.

Royal Voluntary Service Dementia groups are designed with people in mind, aiming to reduce the social isolation that so often follows a diagnosis – for both the person living with the condition and their carer. The groups create a real sense of community and belonging, offering comfort and support to everyone who attends.

At the Lunch Club, a dedicated team of volunteers prepares and serves a hot lunch and dessert to around 30 people, offering far more than just a meal. It's a vital chance to eat in the company of others, helping to reduce loneliness and ensuring not every meal is eaten alone.

Looking for transport near you?

If you or someone you love is living with dementia, or struggling to get out and about safely, you don't have to manage alone. Royal Voluntary Service runs community transport, lunch clubs and dementia support groups across Britain, offering practical help and friendship to those who need it most.