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Harmonia Village at Dover

New hope for people living with Dementia

Harmonia Site View

30 May 2019

A new village that will support people with Dementia to live healthier and happier lives is to open this year in Dover.

Houses and land owned by East Kent Hospitals, at the back of Buckland Hospital, are in the process of being transformed into a dementia-friendly village called The Harmonia Village at Dover.

European funding, matched with support from the local NHS, is making the project happen. Building work started last November and the village is expected to open this autumn.

The village will have six houses that look and feel like everyday homes, each with five residents, supported by nursing home type care. There will be a community hub with a café and space for activities, which will also be open to the local community.

There will also be a guest house with six bedrooms rooms, fully equipped for people living with dementia, so they and their friends and family can have a break together in welcoming and supportive surroundings.

Rooms in the guest house will be reserved just like any other guesthouse so visitors can enjoy the facilities and activities in the village as well as the local sights in and around Dover, there will be no special requirements to book.

Harmonia Site View 2

Dr Phil Brighton, Consultant Geriatrician, said: “At the Harmonia Village every person will be supported to live as independently as possible and continue to enjoy what is important to them.

“The village is an opportunity to do something different to support people living with dementia that complements existing services.

“We are working with people living with dementia, their families, community organisations, charities and health and social care staff workers to find out their experiences of dementia and how the village can help.”


Get involved

Come to this a Cuppa and Catch Up at Buckland Hospital, where you can also take a tour of the site. Future events take place on 27 June, 25 July and 29 August.

Follow Harmonia Village on Facebook and Twitter @HarmoniaAtDover 

Read more at www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/harmonia

Or get in touch at ekhuft.theharmoniavillage@nhs.net