Wiltshire's memory cafe opens

8.23.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

People with dementia, their carers and families, are set to benefit from an innovative memory cafe where care, support and advice will be served up along with refreshments.

The memory café - the first of its kind in Wiltshire - is run by Alzheimer's Support and funded by Wiltshire Council. Its first session will take place at The Barn at Fulling Bridge Farm, Heywood, on Thursday July 9, between 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. It will then be held monthly.

The idea of Alzheimer cafes started life in the Netherlands and can now be found right across the world including Australia and America.

Anna Littlechild, principal manager, Alzheimer's Support said "It was found that by talking about the condition, people with dementia and their families can better manage their own situation."

The first event, which will be opened by WC director of community services Sue Redmond, will provide an informal BBQ, music and refreshments. Anyone with dementia such as Alzheimers is welcome to come along and bring their family members with them.

"This new café is a great development and is based on what we know works. It will offer a friendly and welcoming place where families can go together and find out how others deal with the illness and its consequences," said WC deputy leader John Thomson.

Those attending the café can find out more about dementia in a relaxed informal atmosphere, meet others in a similar situation, find out how and where to get help if and when they need it and share ideas and tips about coping.

Alzheimer's Support is a local charity founded in 1990. It works with the council to provide a range of flexible specialist services, which give people with Alzheimer's and other dementias and their carers as much independence and control over their lives as possible.

To contact Alzheimer's Support call 01380 739055.

* Alzheimer's disease is the commonest cause of dementia, representing between half and three quarters of all cases. It is caused by chemical changes destroying cells and causing the brain to shrink. Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory, mental functioning, speech, language and reasoning.

* Around 1700 people in Wiltshire are currently diagnosed with dementia but it is estimated the real figure is three times this.