AN initiative to give people with dementia a friendly forum to discuss their condition has been launched in Ponteland.
The Dementia Cafe, known as ‘D.Caff’, will provide a cafe-style session for sufferers and their carers to socialise and get much needed face-to-face support.
The Alzheimer’s Society service gives them a platform to talk openly about the day-to-day impact of dementia within a relaxed and informal environment.
A range of activities will be provided at each session, including table-top games, team activities, speakers and entertainment.
Trudi Jackson, an Alzheimer’s Society dementia support worker, who covers the west area of Northumberland, said: “The Dementia Cafe provides an opportunity to reduce taboos around dementia through discussing and understanding the condition and offering information in a non-clinical environment.
“It also offers a network of support through regular contact with those in a similar situation, which is of great importance to living well with dementia as people affected by the condition are informed and do not feel alone.
“Anyone who has dementia or concerns about their memory is welcome, as are their family and friends.”
Alzheimer’s Society research shows that about 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.
The first Ponteland Dementia Cafe took place yesterday and sessions will now take place on the third Wednesday of the month at Merton Hall, Merton Way, between 1.30pm and 3pm.
For more information about it and how to get involved, telephone Ms Jackson on 01434 607318 or email trudi.jackson@alzheimers.org.uk