A dementia friendly cafe in Holsworthy held a special open afternoon recently, which was a huge success and has attracted new faces to join their merry ranks.

The Forget-me-Not Friends Cafe say they look forward to welcoming many more from the local community and the surrounding villages as their group continues to expand.

Group co-ordinator Trish Burke said: “See us for a delicious tea and fun. Carol, who is our baker, makes the most amazing cakes.

“We offer tea, cakes and a friendly atmosphere for those wishing to socialize for an hour or two Everyone Welcome. ‘Loneliness and isolation are feelings that can touch us at any age and any stage of our life. ‘Feelings of loneliness do not have to be an inevitable part of growing old.

“If you have Memory Problems. The Cafe provides stimulating, interactive and engaging activities including games, reminiscence, music sessions, quiz, information talks, relaxation sessions and opportunities to chat. Do you Care for Someone. Often the best source of support is to chat with others in a similar position. Sharing experiences that might be useful to others.”

During their recent cafe members were delighted to welcome along the local All@C Bude Ukulele Band, who provided a very entertaining afternoon of merry singing.

Trish continued: “Fun is central to what we do, but the side benefits are enormous with mutual support among the members and a real rapport with our audiences, many of whom are elderly, isolated or unwell. Music unquestionably brings demonstrable benefits to physical and mental health – simply put, singing along with this little instrument makes us feel great, and does the same for our audience.

“We had a very jolly time at the Forget-me-Not Holsworthy Memory Café recently and enjoyed joining in with the armchair exercises, as did many of the regulars and visitors to the Open Day who did The Locomotion and waved their foam noodles with aplomb in time to the songs. It really is a fabulous centre with a marvellous music room, and on that day, there was even a pop-up clinic with someone well known to some of us through her intimate knowledge of their ears and feet! Lovely homemade biscuits, tea, and a chance to talk and get to know people made a happy end to a rewarding afternoon.”

If anyone or someone they know would be interested in receiving more information about Forget-Me-Not Friends Cafe, contact Trish on 07811 574765 or Rebecca Poet on 07572 180100.

More information can also be found online at www.sril.org.uK