New café in Attleborough will aid those with dementia and their carers

A new Dementia Cafe opens in Attleborough Day Centre Picture by: Sonya Duncan

Carols, a festive quiz, a cuppa and a chat were on the agenda yesterday, when the Alzheimer's Society café, which is run with the Attleborough Day Centre, was officially launched.

The café, which will open once a month, will provide people with dementia and their carers a platform to share experiences and seek support in an informal environment.

Alison Knight, dementia support worker for the society, said: 'The day centre has been running for 20 years so we have worked in conjunction with them.

'We hope to offer a really valuable service to people who are living with dementia, their carers and friends and family.

A new Dementia Cafe opens in Attleborough Day Centre Picture by: Sonya Duncan

'We want to break down the stigma. Dementia is often an invisible condition.'

The café will run on the fourth Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The launch follows the success of a similar café in Wymondham, the Pabulum Café, which has grown from a handful of visitors when it opened to dozens each week.

It helped Wymondham become the first dementia-friendly town in Norfolk.

Anne Biggar, services manager for Alzheimer's Society in Norfolk, said: 'Alzheimer's Society dementia cafés 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.'

The café will run at the day centre in St Mary's Community Hall on Church Street.

For more details, contact the day centre on 01953 454613.

Do you have a story about dementia? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk