Social group
DAMHA is proud to support a drop-in social group for older people, their families, carers and friends.
The Memory Café takes place every third Thursday of the month at The Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell, from 10am.
It forms part of Dementia Friendly Communities, an initiative spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Society which aims to make people aware of, and understand, dementia, so that those with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.
The Memory Café is not just for people with dementia, however. It’s intended to be a social group where any member of the community can pop in for a cup of tea, biscuit and the chance to meet new friends.
Activities include bingo, music, quiz, singing and dancing, but people who attend can choose to do as much, or as little as they like.
DAMHA Housing Officer Wendy Cooley is on the steering group of the Pelton Fell Community Partnership which set up the Memory Café.
She said: “We have only been running the café for less than a year and the aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for people with dementia to come to take part in activities which can act as therapy.
“But it also provides a friendly, social setting for other members of the community to come to meet friends, make new acquaintances and generally take time out to relax.”
Wendy says DAMHA residents in the area are among those who attend the sessions.
She adds: “We try to do something different each time, such as singing or looking at old photographs; anything which can stimulate memories.
“Entry is free and refreshments are available, and any small donations towards refreshments are gratefully received with any money put directly back into the running of the memory café.”
The next memory café will take place from 10am to 11am on Thursday 19th March and then take place on the third week of each month. People can pop in and out as they wish, but if anyone needs further information they can contact Wendy on 0800 0432642 or email wcooley@damha.org.uk
