The Cornwall Memory Cafe Network supports Memory Cafes in their mission to enable people living with memory loss and their carers to live well through creating welcoming, safe spaces in their communities. They provide opportunities for: social interaction, sharing experiences, building connections, quality time, learning, gaining access to resources, cognitive and physical activity, all leading to enhanced emotional and physical wellbeing.
Memory Cafes in Cornwall are all independent, volunteer led community groups, are free to attend, and they welcome people with or without a formal dementia diagnosis (cafe dependent), along with volunteers from their local community. They usually run for two-hour sessions and can vary in frequency, such as fortnightly or monthly.
The very first Memory Cafe was started in Launceston in 2007, by a wonderful lady, named Cym Downing, who still runs the cafe to this day. Her vision inspired communities throughout Cornwall to create similar initiatives which has led to the substantial support network of Memory Cafes across Cornwall & Isles of Scilly that we have today.
What can you expect from a Memory Cafe?
- A warm welcome
- Meet new people and make friends
- Light refreshments
- Connections to other sources of information and support
- Engaging activities including music, art-based activity, bingo, table games, seated yoga and more!