The Rasen Area Memory Café was established in February 2023, following the identification of a gap in dementia services locally.
It is a joint venture with West Lindsey District Council, representation from Lincolnshire County Council, ACIS group, Co-op Community Champions, Market Rasen Surgery and local volunteers.
The memory café offers a range of activities, from colouring for adults, dementia friendly crosswords, sudoku puzzles and word searches to reminiscence books and a range of jigsaw puzzles and games. There is also access to indoor archery and curling from the local day centre.
There is a voluntary contribution of £1 per person to help cover the cost of tea, coffee, refreshments and activities and occasional entertainment. It is hoped to offer quarterly live entertainment during 2024; the Rasen Area Ukulele Band entertained the café during the December meeting and this was well received.
With around 8-10 attendees regularly participating, this group provides a crucial space for those affected by dementia to find solace, understanding, and connection. The diverse mix of attendees, including those living with dementia, their caregivers, family members attending alone, and individuals who have lost partners to dementia, underscores the varied experiences and challenges faced by those touched by this condition.
The Care Coordinator from Market Rasen Surgery plays a crucial role in supporting individuals attending the memory café by providing them with valuable resources, verbal support, advice, guidance, and signposting. By offering information booklets from various sources and engaging in one-on-one interactions, the Care Coordinator helps attendees navigate through their concerns and queries effectively.
Feedback from attendees show the importance of having a memory café in the Rasen area, emphasising the positive impact of the Care Coordinator's presence in reducing the reliance on GP services. By addressing queries, providing guidance, and signposting individuals to appropriate resources, the Care Coordinator not only aids in enhancing the well-being of attendees but also contributes to the overall health and functioning of the community. The continued dedication of the Care Coordinator to her role within the community setting highlights the value of her efforts in meeting the diverse needs of individuals seeking support and assistance.
Useful Links
Specialist support to families facing dementia - Dementia UK
Dementia support – Lincolnshire County Council
Dementia Support Lincolnshire | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
WHEN:
The memory café is open from 10:00 – 12:00, on the first Friday of every month (including bank holidays).
WHERE:
Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT
For more information please contact jennie.
You can also join our Rasen Area Memory Cafe Facebook page by clicking on the link below.
