The Beginnings of Mindful Oak Sussex

Samantha Keylock, founder of Mindful Oak Sussex, was the former Area Manager of the retired charity Know Dementia, which sadly announced its closure in March 2024. Passionate about supporting families in Sussex affected by Dementia, Sam took a leap of faith to branch out independently to continue the legacy of the foundations laid by Know Dementia. Sam set up Mindful Oak Sussex as a registered CIC and took up the reins to continue running the well established Memory Moments Café in Bexhill and the Woodland Moments group in Hailsham. Former colleague Maxine Lowe joined her and Sam launched a new Memory Moments Café in Horam.

As anyone who has set up a new venture will know, the path to success is rarely plain sailing, but with the support of family, friends and volunteers Mindful Oak Sussex is finding its way and judging by the wonderful feedback and happy smiles on the faces of group attendees and their families, Mindful Oak Sussex is making a difference in the community. 

Sam is also very grateful to the Trustees of Know Dementia who supported her with their knowledge, guidance and a financial disbursement to ensure that Mindful Oak had the best start possible. 

Our plan is to continue to grow the existing groups and gradually launch new groups in areas Sussex where there is a need for support in the community for families living with Dementia. The new groups will have different themes, so that we can offer activities which are stimulating and interesting to a broad range of people. We aim to be as inclusive as possible and are keen establish strong relationships in local towns and villages so that we can bring people together, who are navigating all the challenges of living with Dementia. We hope to create a vibrant network of support, friendship and inspiration, so that people feel less isolated, better informed and better connected.

We are really excited about the future growth of Mindful Oak Sussex and are keen to hear from people who would like to attend our groups or perhaps have an interest in volunteering.