Dispelling myths about dementia at café sessions in Downham Market

Supporting West Norfolk residents who have been diagnosed with dementia is the aim of a support association on a mission.

The Downham Dementia Support Association, an organisation which encourages businesses to become "dementia friendly", is running café sessions to start a conversation on living with the disease.

By running café sessions on the third and fourth Monday of every month, the support association provides patients, along with their family and carers, with a relaxed environment to talk with others who are in a similar position as themselves.

Chairman of the Downham Dementia Support Association, Joan Alfred said: "The café provides the people with dementia, and their carers, an opportunity to socialise with others in a supportive atmosphere.

"The carers can relax as they know that whatever happens it is going to be OK and they have formed close friendships.

"We do try to keep them active, the people who come along to our sessions really like the quizzes and word searches. We also provide games, activities and outings.

"Our sessions also have a rolling programme of entertainment, which includes a singer, the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs and a manicurist. We are currently looking for someone to do reflexology."

The support association is working to make Downham "dementia friendly" and is encouraging businesses to lend their support by enrolling in free training or making their signs and environment easier for people with dementia.

Café sessions take place on the third and fourth Monday of the month in Downham Methodist Church hall. For more information, email downhamdementiacafe@gmail.com or call 07514698126.