Portchester Hub
Contact Details for Portchester
The Dementia Care Hub - Portchester
Manager: Sarah Allfree
Phone: 07837309038
Email: sarah.allfree@dementiacarehub.org
Address: Portchester Community Centre Westlands Grove, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9AD
Below are the current groups we offer in Fareham.
Click on the links to learn more about each group
Staff
Sarah Allfree
Centre Manager
My name is Sarah & I live in Fareham. I have always worked in a medical setting - became a medical secretary on leaving school many many years ago! In my 30s I decided to go to University & get a degree in Occupational Therapy. This was my ideal job - looking after patients & enabling them to be as independent as possible, in whatever setting they preferred. Once I had my son in 2005, I was lucky enough to be a full time mum. He had some complicated medical problems, which impacted his education and our lives. Once he was stable and doing well at senior school I found myself looking for work and became a domicilary carer. I loved my work and seeing people thriving & independent in their own homes. During this time I visited a Dementia Care Hub social group run by our Founder, Dr Kellyn Lee. From then on I started volunteering at the various groups in the Fareham & Gosport area. Observing the difference the Dementia Care Hub increased my interest in working with patients living with dementia. In March 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to take on the role of Manager at the Fareham & Gosport Hub. I am constantly in awe of the people I meet, especially the people living with dementia & their care Partners. I am also very lucky to work with the best staff and volunteers. I look forward to supporting many more families to live as well as they possibly can with a dementia diagnosis.
Mandy Tait
Wellbeing Facilitator
My name is Mandy Louise Tait. I live in Stubbington with my husband Tony, and two dogs Trixie, and Shadow. I was a Police Officer for thirty years retiring in 2014. I specialised in Safeguarding Adults, and Child Protection during my career.
In 2008 my dear mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2013, I, and my immediate family made the difficult decision to place my mum into specialist residential care. During the time that my mum lived in residential care I realised the heart wrenching impact a dementia diagnoses has on the entire family.
As a result of this I realised that I had a passion to enrich the lives of people with a dementia diagnoses, and their families.
I worked as an Activities Co-ordinator in a Residential Care home. The opportunity then arose for me to become part of the small, friendly, and committed team at the Dementia Hub in Portchester.
It is a privilege to be part of the team working with people who attend the hub, and helping to provide a safe, stimulating, and friendly environment for social interaction, fun, and smiles.
Victoria Beale
Wellbeing Facilitator
Victoria is a mother of three children, a wife, a local yoga teacher, and a dedicated bodyworker with over two decades of experience in supporting the body, mind, and spirit. Her journey has taken her from the disciplined grace of professional dance to the compassionate insights of clinical psychology, and ultimately to her heartfelt work as a yoga teacher and bodyworker. This rich tapestry of experiences deeply informs her approach to dementia care and her commitment to fostering a sense of collective community.
Victoria believes in the profound interconnectedness of humanity—that we thrive when we feel supported and, in turn, extend support to others. She is passionate about a person-centered approach to dementia care, focusing on the strengths, interests, and humanity of individuals living with dementia. To her, compassionate support and the joy of living are not privileges but fundamental rights.
Her professional background includes years of therapeutic work with children and adults facing mental health and cognitive challenges, both within the NHS and in private practice. On a personal level, Victoria’s caregiving journey has been shaped by her mother’s experience with severe aphasia and physical disabilities following two strokes. This pivotal experience taught her how to honour the individuality and dignity of those with cognitive difficulties, helping them live as full and independent a life as possible.
Victoria’s interest in dementia care became deeply personal when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This has further fuelled her dedication to creating compassionate, empowering support systems for individuals and families navigating similar paths.
When she’s not working, Victoria finds joy in spending time with her family, practicing yoga, tending her garden, and exploring the healing power of herbalism.