Derby Day Services
A warm, friendly day service in Derby offering companionship, activities, days out and support for older adults, including those living with dementia. Free transport available. Free trial sessions.
“Sometimes we are just having fun, sharing laughter and enjoying the day, without realising we are creating memories that matter.”
Services
Dementia
Meaningful dementia friendly day sessions designed to promote wellbeing, independence, companionship and valuable support for families.
Family Activities & Events
From themed days to special celebrations, we occasionally welcome families to join us in creating moments that can be enjoyed together.
Community & Connection
Meaningful days filled with friendship, activities, outings and connection, helping people feel supported, valued and part of their community.
Meet the Founder
Shelly Stephens
Founder
Derby Day Services was created by Shelly Stephens from a simple belief that getting older, living with dementia or needing a little extra support should never mean losing your independence, your identity or the opportunity to enjoy life. Having worked within the care sector for many years, including in business development and developing community-based services, Shelly saw first-hand the difference that companionship, social interaction and having something to look forward to can make. She also saw that families often needed something different. Not simply somewhere for their loved one to be looked after for the day, but somewhere they could genuinely belong. That became the ethos behind Derby Day Services. Shelly wanted to create a service where people are known as individuals. Where we learn about the jobs they have done, the families they have raised, the things they enjoy, the stories they have to tell and, importantly, the things they still want to do. There is plenty of laughter, good food, activities and the occasional bit of chaos, but everything has a purpose. Staying active, using our minds, making friendships, maintaining independence and remaining connected to the wider community are all part of what we do. The service also gives families valuable time for themselves, knowing that their loved one is somewhere they are safe, valued and genuinely enjoying their day. As Derby Day Services continues to grow, Shelly is determined that the values it was built upon will remain exactly the same: kindness, respect, choice, independence and seeing the person before the diagnosis. Because Derby Day Services was never created to be somewhere people simply come to spend a few hours. It's somewhere to belong. Derby Day Services. More than just a day service.
Gallery
Testimonials
The service was originally established by Stacey Shephard through It’s All In One Place, creating a welcoming space where older adults and people living with dementia could socialise, enjoy meaningful activities and spend time together in a safe and supportive environment. Stacey continues to successfully run her Nottingham based service, and Derby Day Services remains incredibly grateful for the strong foundations she created.
When Stacey stepped away from the Derby service to focus on her Nottingham business, there was a real possibility that the service could come to an end. Wanting to ensure local people did not lose something that meant so much to them, Shelly Stephens volunteered her time to help keep the service running.
For Shelly, community has always mattered.
With more than 20 years experience working within health and social care, Shelly has always believed that support should be about far more than simply being looked after. It should be about companionship, laughter, confidence, friendship and helping people continue to enjoy meaningful experiences.
Alongside running Derby Day Services, Shelly continues to volunteer her time within the local community. She is a volunteer Board Member for Derby Care Association (DeCA), supporting independent providers and strengthening local services, and has also volunteered with Re Engage, helping reduce loneliness and social isolation for older adults.
As a mother who raised her two boys largely on her own, Shelly understands just how important connection, support and community can be during life’s more challenging moments. That belief has shaped the heart of Derby Day Services and the warm, welcoming environment it aims to provide every day.
In March 2026, Shelly made the decision to formally take on Derby Day Services and begin building its next chapter. Since then, the service has continued to grow, with a dedicated office at Pride Park, a framework agreement with Derby City Council and an increasing number of people choosing Derby Day Services for companionship, dementia friendly support and meaningful days out.
Today, Derby Day Services offers home cooked meals, engaging activities, outings, companionship and plenty of laughter for adults over 50, including people living with dementia, all within a welcoming and supportive environment.
Because Derby Day Services is, and always will be:
More than just a day service.
News
Contact
- West End Community Centre, Mackworth Road, Derby DE22 3BL
- Registered Office: Regus Building, 3 Centro Place, Office 109, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8RF.
- Mon-Fri - 10:00-4:00
