Dementia-Friendly Café Proves Hugely Popular in Barnsley
A dementia friendly coffee morning to support those living with the condition is proving popular in Barnsley – with a full house at the last three events.
“It’s Not Me, It’s The Alzheimer’s” was launched by Deangate Care Home, in Mapplewell, to provide a stigma-free environment for those with dementia and their families, friends and carers.
Held once a month at The Old Ivy Shed, also in Mapplewell, the event provides an opportunity to socialise and share cakes and a hot drink among those going through the earlier stages of dementia.
Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, is the organiser of the event – a cause that became even more important following her own mum’s dementia diagnosis.
She said: “There aren’t many places people can go that cater for the early stages of dementia.
“We wanted to create something for the person living with dementia and for the person caring for them. It’s about building a safe community of people who understand what each other is going through.
“Someone living with dementia can meet other people in a similar position, while those caring for them can make connections too. But we don’t just sit around talking about dementia.
“It’s a stigma-free environment where people can enjoy each other’s company without judgement, while hopefully gaining more understanding along the way.”
The response to the event has surpassed expectations, reaching capacity for three consecutive months as word has spread through social media and personal recommendations.
Jon Crossland, who runs The Old Ivy Shed with his partner Becky, said: “I love them coming in and we love seeing people happy. My grandma had dementia, so I understand the importance of getting out into the community. It’s great to be able to help break the stigma around dementia.”
The latest event was attended by Diane Hinchcliffe, local services manager from the Alzheimer’s Society, who spotted a poster on Facebook and came along to show her support.
Norma Heaversidge, 97, also visited the latest event. She said: “It was lovely. Even though I haven’t got Alzheimer’s, I feel like everyone can come along and take something away from it.”
For Joan Giggal, 96, the opportunity to socialise is what makes the café special.
She said: “It’s lovely getting out and meeting people. We can chat to our friends.”
Barry Skirrow, 86 added: “It’s nice to be around like-minded people in a different setting. I spent all my life outside, so it’s great to get out and see the community.”
The next “It’s Not Me, It’s The Alzheimer’s” event will take place at The Old Ivy Shed, Mapplewell, Barnsley, on Monday 21st September, from 10am to 11:30am.
