11 Things You Might Not Know About The Filo Project to Celebrate our 11th Birthday

This summer, The Filo Project celebrates 11 years of delivering thoughtful, meaningful support to people living with dementia and their families. What began as a small idea has evolved into a growing community, offering care, connection and respite across the South West and beyond.

To mark the milestone, here are 11 facts about The Filo Project:

1. Founded in 2014

   The Filo Project began in Devon in 2014, with just a few groups running each week. Eleven years on, we have supported hundreds of individuals and families across the country.

   
   

2. A female-founded organisation

   Libby Price and Dr Liz Dennis founded the organisation. At the time, Liz was carrying out PhD research into the role of music in the daily lives of people with dementia. Libby was running small group sessions from her home, offering day care in a warm, inclusive setting. Liz observed Libby’s work over six months and saw how powerfully people responded to the small group dynamic - the seeds of The Filo Project were sown.

   
   

3. Supporting families, not just individuals

   Alongside our small group day service, The Filo Project offers family support, recognising the vital role that relatives and informal carers play, and the challenges they face.

4. Working in partnership

   The Filo Project partners with local authorities and health services to expand into new areas, helping more people access the support they need close to home.

5. Championing change

   Our founders are campaigning for a fairer VAT system, challenging the injustice that means essential dementia care services like Filo’s are subject to 20% VAT, while other types of care are exempt.

6. Every age is welcome

   While most clients are in their later years, The Filo Project supports people at different stages of life. Our youngest group member to date was 59, and the oldest 104 - a reminder that dementia affects people in many different ways, and that everyone deserves thoughtful, personalised support.

7. 70 groups each week

   From Devon to Cornwall, Somerset to East Lancashire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, around 70 Filo groups run weekly, offering consistency, company, and home-cooked meals in a relaxed environment.

8. Specialist training for hosts

   Filo hosts receive comprehensive training tailored to the role - from dementia awareness to safeguarding and first aid. Ongoing guidance and support help ensure high-quality care in every group.

9. A unique model

   The Filo Project offers dignified, non-stigmatising small group days for up to four people. Group members benefit from a consistent group, a familiar setting and a trusted host, while families gain regular respite.

10. A flexible workforce

    While our central office is based in Exeter, most of our workforce is remote. Hosts provide care from their own homes, and Area Coordinators work locally to support them and the families they serve.

11. Reaching isolated communities

    Thanks to our ability to provide transport, Filo reaches people in rural and hard-to-reach areas who might otherwise be unable to access day care - helping to reduce loneliness and supporting independence.

Here’s to 11 years of connection, compassion and community - and to the many more Filo days to come.