👋 About us

Dedicated dementia support in Chester, Cheshire, UK

Bouncing Back is a self-help and peer support group for people with dementia and their families and carers.

At Bouncing Back, we offer a friendly, high level of support alongside a vibrant mix of activities for everyone who joins us — and we provide much-needed respite for carers too. We truly believe that memory loss should never stand in the way of fun, making new friends, or keeping the mind engaged and stimulated.

We’re deeply passionate about creating a safe, caring, and truly welcoming space where our members feel valued, included, and able to thrive.

What to do if you think you might have dementia

Jim Ibell 
Founder – Bouncing Back

About our group…

Bouncing Back was founded in September 2022 by Jim Ibell, who himself has Alzheimer’s Disease.  The group operates regular meetings that act to put people in touch with fellow-sufferers, and these provide peer support, practical advice, and a social outlet.  In 2025 some 150 meetings were held, across three sites in Blacon, Chester.  We started the year with 53 members and finished 2025 with 76 members.

The group also operates trips and excursions to local places of interest, again providing a social outlet for members.  In 2025 these included a visit to Llandudno, a celebration night party, a visit to the Red Lion, a fish and chip lunch, and we went to a pantomime.

We plan to continue this programme in 2026 and beyond.

A safe social hub for people living with dementia

One of the most important benefits of the Bouncing Back dementia support group is the social connection it offers. For many local members, the group provides:
  • A weekly routine that boosts mood and wellbeing
  • Opportunities to make friends and build confidence
  • A supportive community that understands them
  • A safe space to talk openly about dementia
Social isolation is a common issue for people living with dementia. By providing a friendly environment right here in Chester, Bouncing Back helps to reduce loneliness and improve emotional wellbeing of sufferers and carers alike.

Join our dementia support groups in Chester

We meet every week in Blacon, Chester.  We welcome new members from all across Chester and the surrounding areas.  No need to book or sign up, just come along and say “Hi!”.  We provide free refreshments, tea, coffee and home-made cakes!


Mondays: 10am – 1pm
St. Theresa’s Parish Centre, Blacon, Chester CH1 5BU
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Wednesdays: 11.30am – 1.30pm
First Floor, The Enterprise Centre, Blacon, Chester CH1 5HN (lift available)
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Thursdays: 10am – 11am
Holy Trinity Church, Norris Road, Blacon, Chester CH1 5DX
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