On the first Thursday of every month, the sounds of laughter, balls bouncing and singing can be heard coming from Barrow Baptist Church in Beveridge Street. You can even hear the contented purr and meow of a cat, not what you’d expect from a meeting of seniors in ‘The Gap’ at the rear of the church.

Thrive is the name of the group that aims to help people with dementia and memory problems live their best life. Numbers are swelled by carers and others who want to offer support, having cared in the past for loved ones affected by dementia. The principle of the group is based on Jesus’ words: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

Ball games are popular and a grant of £250 from the Parish Council for Thrive and The Harbour Wellbeing Cafe (held at the church on Thursday afternoons) enabled Thrive’s founder, Marian Doel to buy some much-needed items. She chose a floor basketball hoop, aqua paints and a fluffy interactive cat - all of which have gone down a treat.

“Ball games are good for hand-eye co-ordination, and we are having a lot of fun with the hoop,” she said. “The cat meows, purrs, moves and you can feel its ‘heart’ beating. You never know what it will do next! We’re very grateful to the Parish Council for the grant.”

Marian bought items that could also be used by the church’s children’s groups - Little Buds for toddlers, Messy Church, a fun group for children and Who Let the Dads Out, a group for fathers and father figures with children.

To find out more about Thrive, phone Marian Doel on 07952 959508. Or phone the church on 01509 416603.

Lindsay Ord