Dementia Australia's Tasmanian Day Clubs offer dementia classes

Located in Newnham and Hobart, the classes connect people living with dementia and memory loss.

From July, they offer short sessions as an alternative to the traditional day respite programs.

These sessions will be focused and run for four weeks each with one three-hour session a week.

In July they launch the first of the sessions - Creative Arts which includes a journey into colour and light through watercolour painting, bright acrylic paints and will be followed by exploration of textures through sculpture and collage.

The next session titled Healthy Meal - Happy Brain will begin in August with a focus on nutrition for the brain. Participants will laugh, cook and walk away with recipes to cook at home.

Senior support worker Katie Miller said the last session is based on building a memory book.

Through learning each other's stories, participants will use the printing resources available at the centres to compile pages featuring photos and stories which reflect their lives and interests.

"We believe these sessions will fill a spot in the community for people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia," Ms Miller said.

"They will provide meaningful activities in an environment which is supportive and encouraging and enable people to meet others in a similar situation where they can share a cup of tea, a laugh and a smile.

"Clients can access further dementia support if desired or simply attend the sessions.

"These sessions are suitable for people who have recently received a diagnosis of dementia or memory loss."

To attend, participants must be eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

Cost is $10 per session which includes all materials and afternoon tea.

Click here for more information or call 131 450.