Launch of first Dementia Cafe in Hungerford
16/05/2024
Local Home Care company partners with Age UK Berkshire and Dementia Friendly West Berkshire to Launch Dementia Café in Hungerford
Local Home and Live-in Care provider, Bluebird Care West Berkshire, has announced the launch of a new monthly Dementia Café 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 they would be back next 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 planned throughout the year, café visitors can expect a variety of engaging experiences meant to stimulate the mind and encourage reminiscing amongst those with dementia. Together, they will be 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 planned 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 will be held on every second Tuesday of each month. The next one will be held on the 11th June at 10.30am – 12pm, at The Bear Hotel. 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 on 07384 514277
Age UK Berkshire is an independent registered charity working to offer support and information to anyone interested in, or concerned about older people across Berkshire.
Dementia Friendly West Berkshire is a group of individuals and organisations coming together to make West Berkshire more dementia friendly.
Bluebird Care West Berkshire supports people to live well in the comfort of their own homes across the local area, including with live-in care.
