£44,200 award will help Bridges create a dementia-friendly space

We are delighted to share that the Wolfson Foundation has awarded Bridges Centre up to £44,200 towards transforming the facilities used by our Social Circles service at Drybridge House.

Social Circles provides friendship, activities, meals and support for older people, including those living with dementia or experiencing isolation. The funding will help us create a safer, more accessible and genuinely dementia-friendly environment for everyone using the service.

Planned improvements include:

  • Safer and more accessible entrance arrangements
  • New accessible doors and improved drainage
  • A covered outdoor area
  • A dementia-friendly terrace and garden
  • Specialist seating and arts and crafts facilities
  • Accessible games and activities
  • A new Dementia Engagement System using music, sound, large-screen technology and tablets

Following the serious flooding at Drybridge House in November 2025, insurance funding will allow us to replace damaged facilities and equipment on a like-for-like basis. However, it does not cover the additional improvements needed to make the space more accessible and dementia-friendly.

The Wolfson Foundation award gives us the opportunity to go further and build back better for the people who use Social Circles, as well as their families, carers and volunteers.

Mark Walton, Chair of Trustees at Bridges Centre, said:

“We are enormously grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for this generous award. It gives us the opportunity to go beyond like-for-like replacement and create a safer, more accessible and welcoming space for the people who use Social Circles.

“It is another important step forward in the recovery of Drybridge House and in our commitment to building back better for the community.”

Mike Logan, Wellbeing Director, added:

“Social Circles is about friendship, independence and helping people to remain connected to their community. These improvements will make a real difference and allow us to offer a much wider range of activities in a welcoming and accessible setting.”

The overall improvement project is valued at £67,225, excluding VAT. An anticipated £23,000 contribution from the insurance settlement will replace facilities and equipment damaged by the flood, with the Wolfson Foundation award supporting the additional accessibility, specialist equipment and dementia-friendly improvements.

While Drybridge House remains temporarily closed, Bridges continues to provide wellbeing services across Monmouthshire.

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