Dementia ‘café’ gets backing from hospital

Memory Lane Café at the National Memorial Arboretum has been running for the past two years, and during that time has engaged more than 100 people living with dementia and their carers.

As a charity, the Arboretum works hard to generate income to support such activity, and to ensure that it remains accessible to as many people as possible.

To date the Arboretum have trained over 170 staff, volunteers and NMA Friends to be Dementia Friends.

In 2020, Spire Little Aston Hospital based in Sutton Coldfield will be supporting Memory Lane Café on an ongoing basis, providing valuable financial support to enable them to continue this important work.

Spire’s incredible donation will enable the Arboretum to continue to provide Memory Lane Café sessions which are accessible and engaging, supporting the development of resources and enabling the Arboretum to continue to engage socially excluded older people. The Arboretum is a passionate advocate of support for those living with dementia and other life limiting conditions.

Memory Lane Café is held at The National Memorial Arboretum on the third Friday of the month (second Friday in December)- a monthly reminiscence café, Memory Lane, will provide a forum for people living with dementia, their carers, and their friends and family.

Memory Lane Café provides an opportunity for people living with dementia and memory loss, accompanied by their family and/or carers to visit a safe and understanding environment.

Each session is themed and utilises images and objects to stimulate the recall of experiences.

Those wishing to attend Memory Lane Café must phone 01283 245 100 to book places as space at the sessions is limited.

Paula Kovaks, interim learning and participation manager, said: “We recognise the value of a site such as ours in engaging those who may be at risk of social isolation. Through support from organisations such as Spire Little Aston, we are able to continue this hugely important work."

Louise Glover, marketing manager at Spire Healthcare said: “We’re delighted to be working with the National Memorial Arboretum to deliver these really valuable sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. All our staff will be busy raising funds for the charity throughout the year by organising activities such as bake sales, raffles and staff social events.”