Family events and activities
Our events are designed to get families together to have fun and make lasting memories.
Family events calendar
If you’re on mobile, please view the calendar landscape. Or access the calendar via Google below.
From our regular events to our special celebrations - you can find out what's going on at Demelza below.
Winter programme
There’s something for everyone this winter at Demelza.
All our events and activities are designed to be as accessible as possible for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Year-round in-person events
From our popular Demelza Dots playgroup, to uplifting choir sessions, transition network wellbeing days for young people, drop-in sessions and more!
Demelza Choir
Sometimes a good singalong can be the best therapy. Our inclusive Demelza choir sessions are a fun and joyful way to focus on wellbeing by coming together and sharing our voices. Run by music therapist, Kelly Fraser, each session includes a mindful vocal warm-up, singing songs together and a chance to chat and enjoy some snacks. You don't have to come to every session, just join us when you can.
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When: Every other Wednesday, 5pm - 6.30pm
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Where: Large Meeting Room, Demelza Kent, Rook Lane, Sittingbourne, ME9 8DZ
Demelza Dots
At each Dots session there’s a range of toys and fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Led by Demelza’s healthcare assistants and family liaison practitioners, these sessions often include interactive storytelling, singing and even messy play!
Dover (up to age 24)
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When: Last Saturday of the month, 2pm - 6pm
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Where: Dover District Leisure Centre, Fitness Fields, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3FZ
Kent (up to age 5)
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When: Every Tuesday, 10am - 12 noon
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Where: Large Meeting Room, Demelza Kent, Rook Lane, Sittingbourne, ME9 8DZ
South East London (up to age 18)
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When: Usually every Thursday, 10am - 2pm with a light lunch provided.
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Where: Demelza South East London, 5 Wensley Close, London SE9 5AB
New to Dots? Send us an email at careadministration@demelza.org.uk with the date and location you're interested in. Got a question? Call us on 01795 845270.
Group sessions for under-twos
Families with babies and children under two are invited to our group sessions with our family liaison team, for fun with crafts, music therapy and yoga/baby massage. Snacks and drinks are provided.
Kent
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When: Last Wednesday of every month, 10am - 12 noon
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Where: Demelza Kent, Rook Lane, Sittingbourne, ME9 8DZ
South East London
- When: Last Wednesday of every month, 10.30am - 12.30pm
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Where: Demelza South East London, 5 Wensley Close, London SE9 5AB
If you would like to come along or have any questions, please get in touch at: familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk or call us 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm).
Evelina London Children’s hospital drop in
Our family support team visit the Evelina London Children's Hospital once a month. These drop-in sessions are for any families accessing Demelza services, as well as prospective families wishing to find out more about what we do and any other external services that might be helpful to you.
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When: First Wednesday of every month, 10am - 2pm
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Where: Atrium (3rd floor), Evelina London Children's Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7EH
Transition group hydropool
Families with young people aged 14-24 are welcome to join our group hydropool sessions with other young adults, at Demelza Kent. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet other young adults who are also transitioning to adult services and have fun in our hydropool. The transition team will also be on hand to answer any questions about your transition pathway
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When: Saturday morning, 10am - 12 noon and Saturday afternoon, 1pm - 3pm
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Where: Demelza Kent, Rook Lane, Sittingbourne ME9 8DZ
If you’d like have fun in the hydropool, or have a question, please get in touch at: transition@demelza.org.uk
Regular online sessions
Being at home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some company or have some fun. From Family Friday and Sibling Saturday, to weekly online music groups, enjoy life online with Demelza.
Music group
Join us online for our fun music groups with our music therapist, Victoria. A chance for children to come together and make music, sing, dance and access support when they are unable to attend in person. We can advise parents and carers on how you can make the sessions a multi-sensory experience using ordinary items from around your home.
When
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Every Thursday afternoon at 4.30pm - 5.30pm
- Every Thursday evening at 6pm - 7pm
- Every Saturday morning at 11am - 12 noon
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Thursday 2 October and Saturday 4 October - Our Amazing Bodies
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Tuesday 8 October and Saturday 11 October - Colours
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Thursday 16 October and Saturday 18 October - Diwali
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Saturday 25 October - Halloween
Family friday
Join us live on our private families Facebook group for Family Friday, where our family support team and specialist team members share their knowledge and insights. All sessions will be live on our families Facebook group and uploaded to our YouTube playlist to view at any time.
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When: Third Friday of each month at 10am - 10.45am
Sibling saturday
Siblings are invited to join our family liaison team for some fun online activities. For our special online craft sessions we’ll send you a kit with everything you need to get involved – we’ll do our best to make sure they arrive in time. Information on how to sign up and weekly themes will be sent via the family update email, so keep an eye on your inbox.
For siblings aged 5-11
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When: First Saturday of each month, 10am - 10.45am
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Where: Microsoft Teams
For siblings aged 12-16
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When: First Wednesday of each month, 4.15pm - 5pm
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Where: Microsoft Teams
If you’d like to join us or have a question, please email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk
Transition sessions
Demelza's Transition Network brings young people aged 14+ and their families together, to support their transition to adult services. Join our year-round virtual sessions, meet other families and share your experiences.
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When: Once a month, 11am-1pm
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Where: Microsoft Teams
If you’d like to join us or have a question, please email transition@demelza.org.uk or take a look at our Transition page.
Bereavement support events
From remembrance events, to a much-needed chat at one of our regular coffee mornings, to workshop group support, we hold a number of events throughout the year.
These events offer families a chance to come together with the wider Demelza community and reflect, reminisce and celebrate the life of their child.
We’re here to help
If you would like more information about family events, please contact our team on 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk.
If you're not currently supported by Demelza, please fill out our referral form to see how we can help.