PEOPLE with dementia in Petersfield, and their carers and family members, have a new monthly Memory Café.
Starting on Wednesday, March 16, at Winton House in Petersfield High Street, this will be an informal and friendly support group in the café.
Music, old photographs and activities will be used to spark memories for those who have dementia.
Winton House volunteers, who have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Society in Petersfield, will be on hand to chat to sufferers.
This initiative complements the Friendship Group run by the Alzheimer’s Society at the United Reformed Church, which attracts around 70 people.
“It’s a big problem in Petersfield, and for the ageing population in general,” said Sheridan Rocher, manager at Winton House, where the free entry café will be open on the third Wednesday of the month, from 3pm to 5pm.
“It’s happening, it’s the reality, and the more people know about it, the more people might seek help and not just struggle through.”
She wants the café to provide a positive, upbeat experience. “We hope it will be open and relaxed and where no-one is judged.”
Carers and family members will be able to meet those going through a similar experience.
She hopes the music and photos will help tap into a time people with the disease remember, and trigger plenty to chat about.
Often the more recent memories fall aside in sufferers, leaving the deeper memories to the fore.
“And even if they don’t remember they’ve been, they’ll know they’ve had a nice time,” said Sheridan.
For details call 01730 266046, or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.wintonhousecentre.org.uk