A DEMENTIA cafe has been set up for sufferers of the disease and their carers.

Springfields Medical Centre in the town centre will host the Friends of Springfields’ memory cafe once a month, offering a safe space for residents suffering from dementia and respite for their loved ones.

Jacqui Bickerton cared for her parents for 10 years, with her mum having had Alzhemier’s society and her dad suffering from vascular dementia.

She set up the cafe with the help of the Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre-based practice’s manager Lorraine Stratulis and deputy manager Judith Southart.

The scheme is being supported by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Jacqui said: “The idea is to offer people who are suffering with dementia a welcoming place once a month for an hour-and-a-half - they can come along with their carers and take part in activities.

“It’s more of a social thing and a welcome break for carers to have a cup of tea and a cake.

“They can come and have a bit of light away from the day to day misery of dealing with dementia.

“It’s hard being a carer - I nearly went over the edge on several occasions because it’s the worst disease ever.

“This is just made to take away from the fact that they are a carer, or that someone they love is no longer there.

“It’s there just to allow them to have a laugh or for somebody to put their arm around them and give them some love - it means a lot, I really appreciated that when I was caring for my parents.”

Held on the last Friday of every month, each cafe is themed and has activities, games and refreshments.

Jacqui added: “I’m aiming to do more and more for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my parents, just to give a bit back.

“We’ve only met four times so far so it’s pretty new, but we now have a bank of contacts so we can help carers navigate through where to get assistance or support.

“Fundamentally, it’s a place to come and join us and get away from it all for an hour-and-a-half.”

The next memory cafe takes place on Friday, September 28, between 1pm and 2.30pm.

For more information email jacqui.bickerton@gmail.com or judith.southart@nhs.net.