Hungerford Dementia Cafe
Expert Dementia Care and advice for our customers and their loved ones
In 2024 Bluebird Care launched a monthly Dementia Cafe in Hungerford in partnership with charity organisations; Dementia Friendly West Berkshire and Age UK Berkshire.
The first café event took place on Tuesday 14th May, coinciding with Dementia Action Week, at the Bear Hotel, Hungerford and was officially opened by the Mayor of Hungerford. There were over 30 attendees, with many expressing how much they enjoyed the morning and now regulars of the cafe, returning month after month.
Madam Mayor of Hungerford, Councillor Helen Simpson, said:
“I was delighted to be asked to attend Hungerford’s first dementia friendly café and thrilled to learn this will now be a monthly event, to assist all of those experiencing the impact of dementia either personally or a family or professional carer. The aim of this dementia café is to ensure people living with dementia in the Hungerford area along with their family carers can come along to meet others in a similar situation, join in with stimulating and enjoyable activities as well as the much needed access to support, information and advice.”
With a programme of activities throughout the year, café visitors have a variety of engaging experiences meant to stimulate the mind and encourage reminiscing amongst those with dementia. Together, they are able to share their experiences and receive advice and information from Bluebird Care’s professional Care Experts and their dedicated Dementia Care Adviser.
Among the activities are live music sessions featuring the talented musicians from Berkshire Music Trust, as well as art and craft activities led by local artists and crafters. These activities are specifically designed to support those with dementia, encouraging people to engage their mind in creative ways while building a sense of community.
Tamsin Hudson Dementia Care Adviser at Bluebird Care West Berkshire, said:
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Age UK Berkshire and Dementia Friendly West Berkshire to launch the Hungerford Dementia Café. We provide compassionate care and support to individuals living with dementia and their families day in day out, and so we know how important it is that people have access to meaningful activities and expert advice. We look forward to welcoming members of the community and creating a warm and supportive environment where they can thrive."
Phil Miles, Director of Bluebird Care West Berkshire, said:
“The Dementia Café has been set up as a much-needed local service in Hungerford and it was lovely to see so many local people there on the day. When Tamsin joined our team last year she was absolutely committed to setting up and running a dementia café in Hungerford, with Sue Young from Age UK Berkshire. They have been working hard to deliver what was our first event.”
The Hungerford Dementia Café is held on every second Tuesday of each month at The Bear Hotel, Hungerford. If you are interested in attending the next Dementia Café please contact Bluebird Care West Berkshire’s Dementia Care Adviser at: TamsinHudson@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call 07384 514277