New dementia cafe a 'safe place' for families

A dementia cafe which creates a safe place not only for those with the disease but also their loved ones has opened in Worcestershire.

The cafe is open every other Tuesday from 10:30 to 12:00 GMT at Upton Rugby Club, off Old Street, Upton upon Severn.

Debbie Ashwell from Ashwell Home Care Services runs the scheme with support from the Worcester Warriors Foundation.

"Creating a safe, welcoming space where people living with dementia – and those who love and care for them – can connect, feel understood, and enjoy meaningful moments together is something we care deeply about," she said.

"As a local, family-owned and run business, we feel incredibly proud to be able to give something back to the community that has supported us since we started seven years ago."

Upton county councillor Martin Allen attended a session last week and said he had written to Debbie Ashwell offering to "help secure financial funding so this important cafe can continue".

"I spoke to many attendees and it's clear that the dementia cafe brings people together, providing a safe space where no one must face dementia alone," he added.

Town councillor Rebecca Rollinson also went to see the cafe in action.

"It was wonderful to see people engaging and becoming less withdrawn," she said.

"This cafe gives everyone a chance to talk, listen, enjoy a cup of tea and have a chat."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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