Charity celebrates three years of popular lifeline memory café

A Wetherby ‘memory café’ which provides a safe supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers is celebrating its third birthday.

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) initiative has already expanded sinch its launch to meet local demand – plus the ‘Forget Me Not’ cafe - a monthly session to offer respite for carers, has been added.

Now, the charity behind the café- which was visited more than 800 times last year- say they expect even more people through its doors this year, with local demand for dementia services only increasing.

WiSE Dementia Lead Emma Collier, said: “Our Memory Café is now a vital part Wetherby’s dementia services and we are proud to meet this important 3-year milestone.

“People who attend the café say it is a lifeline - providing a few hours respite for our carers- and enhancing the quality of life for those living with dementia.

“We know our attendees very well and have been able to integrate some of them into other WiSE activities and events. This included involving them in an afternoon out at Wetherby Races in the VIP area. Our social group ‘Silver Social’ is another popular event.”

Sessions are facilitated by trained staff alongside WiSE volunteers. Up to 40 people attend each event, incorporating arts and crafts, board games and musical entertainment in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Support is also offered to carers to help them in their challenging roles.

Funding for the café has come from multiple sources, including the National Lottery Awards For All and McCarthy Stone Foundation.Memory Café meets twice a month on Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at The Church Rooms, Church Centre St James in Wetherby.

Due to high demand for the service, attendance for the Memory Cafe is by referral only. Forget Me Not café – which takes place on the first Monday of the month - is currently open to existing Memory Café clients only.

For more information email memorycafe@w-ise.org.uk or visit wise.org.uk/activities/#memorycafe