People who love and look after someone with dementia can feel just as frightened, vulnerable and uncertain as the person they care for, and are often elderly and infirm themselves.

Daybreak is a speciali st charity offering stimulation and support for people living with dementia and memory loss, as well as respite for their carers.

Daybreak helps people to live with dementia by working alongside families, professional help and other support to maintain the best quality of life for that person.

Involvement of family, friends and carers is welcomed, as they are often deeply affected by dementia too.

The charity runs monthly carers’ support groups with the aim of empowering carers through providing expert speakers and information. The groups provide space where carers can be completely honest with people who understand the highs and lows of caring 24 hours a day.

Daybreak Clubs are for anyone affected by dementia. They offer a fun day out with friends and something to look forward to each week.

For many, the clubs act as an antidote to the isolation that can follow the onset of dementia. Daybreak helps club members and their carers have a better quality of life.

Sandy Briscoe, fundraising manager, said: “We hope that our services help the person with dementia stay at home which is what most carers want as well.

“The short breaks that come from a person attending a Daybreak club enable the carer to recharge their batteries, do activities they cannot do whilst caring, or catch up with family and friends.”

The charity operates three clubs: the Lilacs in Kidlington, the Limes in North Oxford and Rosewood in Greater Leys. 70 per cent of funding from comes from the county council but Daybreak still needs to raise £40,000 per year independently to enable them to continue.

If you would like to volunteer or fundraise for Daybreak, you will be supported with ideas and fundraising materials. Why not raise awareness and sponsorship for Daybreak and keep fit with a sponsored run or walk? Invite your friends and family to a coffee morning or bring and buy sale, so you have fun and raise money to help this work continue. Visit www.daybreak-oxford.org.uk to make a donation or for more information about the charity. Alternatively contact Sandy Briscoe, fundraising manager, by email sandy.briscoe@daybreak-oxford.org.uk or telephone 01865 774766.