The word most commonly used by carers to describe the Memory Cafe is ‘lifeline’. Living with dementia can be tough for them as well as those they care for.
Apart from the challenges of the dementia itself, many people experience isolation and loneliness. Isolation is deadly: the inability to connect regularly with the people, places and activities that give our lives meaning gradually shuts us down. Many people describe a shrinking of their social life and a sense of separation from family and friends who have sustained them all their lives.
Memory Cafes are informal social places where you can go for advice, support and friendship. The social aspect is the most important. It gives a chance to chat with friends over tea biscuits and share what is going on for you with others in a similar situation. Studies have shown that by sharing information and knowledge carers are better able to understand and support the person who is undergoing memory problems.
The Sid Valley Memory Cafe opened in 2010 and our team has a wealth of experience and knowledge about memory problems and dementia and the support available. Members of our local Community Health team also call into the meetings and are available for confidential professional advice. Most importantly, though, we offer a place where people living with dementia can join in a range of beneficial and enjoyable activities.
Quality assured
On September 10th 2024 our memory cafe was awarded the Devon Memory Cafe Consortium’s Quality Assurance Mark. This is a local initiative developed by the community and voluntary service organisations in Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay and funded by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. It is open to memory cafes in Devon which provide support, services and activities to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our communities.
The Memory Cafe Quality Assurance Scheme ensures that the policies and practices that we apply result in safe, caring, effective and responsive services.
The scheme helps build confidence and awareness among health professionals and the public about the range and quality of health and wellbeing activities and services that can you can find through memory cafes.
Broader support
Since 2014, the Memory Cafe has supported the funding, through Dementia UK, of Admiral nurses. These are NHS nurses who are additionally trained in the care and support of people with dementia and their families. Sid Valley families have been fortunate enough to have access to an Admiral nurse since 2017.
The Admiral Nurse works holistically, attending to the physical and mental health needs of both the carer and the person with dementia. In order to access this service, a referral will need to be made by your GP.