Finding his people: John’s story

Social Care Future is about people living the life they want to live, with the people and things that matter to them, in communities where we look out for one another. 

For John, that means being able to stay connected to the town he knows, keep doing things he enjoys, and feel part of a group where he is welcomed, recognised and valued. 

John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about three years ago. While some things have changed, what matters to him has not. He still enjoys getting out and about, sharing stories, having a laugh and being around people. 

That sense of connection has become especially important through Link Thursdays, a weekly friendship café run by Link Visiting Scheme at All Saints Church in Wokingham. 

A life at the heart of the community  

Before John became a regular at the group, he had already spent years being known by people across Wokingham. 

John was a police officer for several years before he made a different kind of career move. He went into the pub business. 

"I took on a pub and it just took off. Then another. And another one." 

Over time, he built up several pubs across Wokingham and was proud of what he'd achieved. 

He got out of the pub trade just before Covid hit, and felt the timing was just right. But he clearly loved that life. 

"I do miss the pub now… I really, really miss it." 

When things shift 

About three years ago, John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It wasn't something he immediately recognised. 

"It was my wife who started to notice," John said. "I couldn't remember things, it was dreadful. I went to the local hospital, answered a bunch of questions and I thought 'there's nothing wrong with me.'" 

The doctor disagreed. 

It's gradually getting worse, and the real problem is remembering names. 

But John doesn't let it stop him from being out and about. He still drives, and he takes an annual license check every year to make sure he's safe behind the wheel. 

He walks around Wokingham and people shout hello. 

"I walk around town and people shout ‘hello John boy’ and I say hello but I can't remember their names. But I feel okay." 

Finding Link Thursdays 

Link Visiting Scheme runs Link Thursdays – a weekly friendship café at All Saints Church in Wokingham, open 10am to 1pm every Thursday. It's a dementia-friendly space where people can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, join in activities and spend time with others in a welcoming environment.  There's no pressure, just a warm welcome. 

It was John's wife who suggested giving it a try. He's been a regular for a couple of years now and it's become an important part of his week. 

"I love it here," John said. "They really make me feel safe and welcome." 

Being part of something 

John is a popular member of the Thursday group. He sits at his usual table and tells stories. The same ladies come and sit with him week after week. 

"I do tell some stories! And we have a laugh here," John said. 

He's also joined Hurst Bowling Green and loves popping into the local pub next door. And Link has taken him on outings - including a trip to Milestones Motor Museum that had an unexpected twist. 

"My favourite was the Milestones museum," John said, laughing. " A lot of the cars in there are older than me and some of the vehicles helped us during the war. It really opened my eyes, unbelievable place. When I went with the Link people, I ended up serving pints behind the bar there – old habits die hard!" 

That moment - standing behind the bar at Milestones, doing what he did for decades, being useful, being himself - that says everything about what John still is, Alzheimer's or not. 

What it means 

John's wife is really happy he attends the Thursday get-togethers.  

"My wife really understands and that's really important," John said. "Coming here makes me feel so much better and it's an important part of my week. They really look out for me." 

The regulars who run Link Thursdays - the familiar faces who set up each week - have made him feel comfortable and welcome. 

When John reflects on how things have changed, there's a clarity to what he's found. 

"At first I didn't know what to do with myself," John said. "But it's a great little group here. I feel safe and happy." 

And he's happy to share his story if it helps others understand what's possible. 

Supporting the vision in your community 

John's story shows what community connection can do. It's not about fixing or managing Alzheimer's. It's about making sure someone still feels seen, valued, part of something. It's about having people who know your name and ask how you are. It's about being able to tell your stories and have people laugh with you. It's about an outing to a museum that makes you feel alive again, or a chance to do what you've always done - pull a pint and feel useful. 

Social Care Future is about everyone living the life they want to live – with the people and things that matter to them, in communities where we look out for one another. For John, that means coming to Link Thursdays every week, bowling at Hurst, telling stories, feeling safe and happy, and being part of his people.