Dementia and cognitive health specialists
Since 2017, The Ness has provided specialist memory and dementia support across Devon for individuals, families and the professionals involved in their care.
Our Memory Hubs are welcoming, social and enjoyable, but every session also has a clear purpose. We combine Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, structured day support, meaningful activity and family guidance to support memory, communication, confidence and independence.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. People deserve support that is enjoyable, clinically informed and adapted as their needs change. The Ness brings together the warmth of community support with specialist knowledge, therapeutic practice and measured outcomes.
About our Founder, Jonathan Hanbury
Jonathan Hanbury founded The Ness in 2017 after seeing how many families affected by dementia were left without the specialist support, practical guidance and genuine choice they needed.
With more than 20 years’ experience as a specialist clinical nurse and senior NHS leader, Jonathan has worked with older people, families and professionals across dementia care. His belief is that support should not begin only in hospital or at the point of crisis. People need expert, therapeutic support within their community, early enough to help maintain confidence, connection and independence.
Inspired by pioneering approaches to dementia care in the Netherlands, Jonathan created The Ness to offer something different: clinically led support that combines evidence-based therapy, enjoyable social connection, family guidance and measurable outcomes.
Today, he continues to develop the Ness model through Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, specialist day support, professional training, research partnerships and the responsible use of technology in dementia care.
“Dementia is a complex, long-term condition that cannot be solved by doctors or hospitals alone. It must be met within the community—by people committed to challenging perceptions and driving change. At The Ness, we are determined to make that difference.”
Who we work with
The Ness seeks collaboration. We recognise that partnership encourages innovation and improvements in care. Over the last decade we have been involved in collaboration with leading universities and organisations across the UK and are always open to fresh ideas and the latest innovations.
Research, Therapy and innovation
The GRACE Project
The Ness is working with St Mary’s University London on this exciting psychosocial treatment model. GRACE is a goal orientated coaching model that helps those supporting someone living with dementia
Montessori
The Ness is part of a growing UK movement to integrate the ground breaking Montessori techniques into supporting someone living with memory loss.
Montessori emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative activity to maintain independence and activities of daily living.
Polyvagal Theory
The Ness is unique in recognising the importance of the vagus nerve and vagal regulation in treating anxiety and emotional dysregulation in those living with dementia.
We use the techniques designed by Dr Porges’s Polyvagal Theory to reduce acute anxiety and stimulate the benefits of the parasympathetic system.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy forms the foundation of the work we do at The Ness. All our staff are trained in Professor Aimee Spector’s model. After more than a decade of using this approach, we have built on its core principles and developed our understanding further through neuroscience and neurology.
As leading practitioners of CST across Devon, we deliver and teach Cognitive Stimulation Therapy both in person and online.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)
This approach has traditionally been used in the treatment of brain injury, but is now increasingly applied to support people living with dementia.
CRT involves one-to-one work with individuals, helping them maintain specific skills and independence despite changes in brain function.
AI in Cognitive Health
The Ness is at the forefront of how digital technology can support people living with memory loss.
We are partnered with Eve (www.iameve.ai) an AI virtual companion that can build a circle of support around an individual at home keeping them safe, connected and supported.