Alzheimer’s Society to launch new café support group

Parbold and Skelmersdale Alzheimer’s Society dementia cafes will become one new café support group for people with dementia starting on Wednesday 10 April at Skelmersdale library. The amalgamated Café will provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support.

Dementia Cafés provide people with dementia and carers a platform to talk openly about living with dementia within a relaxed and informal environment. The group will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them.

Kathleen Storton, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire said: “Following feedback from people currently attending both cafes in Parbold and Skelmersdale, we agreed it made sense to hold just one café support group on a different day in the afternoon from 1pm – 3pm to make it more accessible for people affected by dementia.

‘Alzheimer’s Society continues to support people affected by dementia in West Lancashire through our Dementia Adviser and Dementia Support services. Merging the cafes enables our Dementia Support Worker to spend more time providing one to one support.

‘Dementia cafes can really help improve people’s quality of life. They give people with the condition and their carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. They’re also a great source of information and guidance which can help people to live well with the condition.

‘Alzheimer’s Society also provide information, support and advice through our national Dementia Helpline and are here for anyone affected by dementia on 0300 222 11 22. Our website (alzheimers.org.uk) offers a wealth of information about all forms of dementia, along with Talking Point is our free online community where anyone affected by dementia can receive peer support.

‘We do hope that you can come along and join us on Wednesday 10 April to help us launch the café.”

Linda Manwaring who attends the Dementia Café in Ormskirk said: “My life has improved a great deal since coming to the café support group, because I can talk to other carers and the staff and I can also share experiences with them.  The dementia cafes are an excellent idea.

‘I think the staff and volunteers are very supportive and kind.  They have a lovely way about them which can really help.  It’s a great way for people to come together, carers can share experiences and gain support from others in a similar situation”

There are 1,544 people living with dementia in West Lancashire. With the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.

If you would like more information about the Skelmersdale café starting on Wednesday 10 April (1.30pm until 3.30pm) please contact Kathleen Storton and other Alzheimer’ Society staff on 01772 788700 or kathleen.storton@alzheimers.org.uk

As well as Dementia Cafés, Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire runs a number of services including Dementia Advisers, Dementia Support Workers, Singing for the Brain and Carers Information and Support Programme. For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo