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Carers invited to enjoy a taste of Christmas at cafes

People living with dementia in Sandwell are being invited to tuck into mince pies at a series of festive cafes being run as part of a £50,000 initiative to support those with the condition.

West Bromwich-based Accord Housing Association opened a network of dementia cafes in January this year in partnership with Sandwell Council, to help the 3,200 people in the borough affected by the condition.

Around 62,000 people across the West Midlands live with the condition, with symptoms including loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

Throughout December, a series of Christmas-themed cafes will be held to celebrate the season and the success of the scheme, which has seen more than 60 cafes held since its launch.

The Christmas-themed cafes will be held at; the Wesley Centre for All, Wednesbury (6 Dec 7pm-9pm), Furlong House, Walsall (7 Dec 2pm-4pm), Penmakers Court, Smethwick (9 Dec 2pm-4pm), St Pauls Court, Rowley Regis (12 Dec 11am-1pm) and Swallowfields extra care scheme (23 Dec 2pm-4pm)

Visitors to the cafes will be served festive treats like mince pies, be able to make Christmas crafts such as cards and decorations and listen to guest speakers from Agewell.

Nicole Beeching, Health and Well-being Manager at Accord Housing Association, said: “We have had a great response to the cafes since they launched and with Christmas just around the corner, we want to celebrate the festive season with everyone who attends the cafes.

“The cafes are free, friendly and open to anyone who has dementia or cares for someone with the condition, so we would encourage anyone who would like to find out more to pop into one of our cafes.”

To register your interest in attending a café, or for more information, call 0300 111 7000 or 0755 7153 571, email sandwelldementiacafes@accordha.org.uk or go to accordgroup.org.uk/dementia_cafes

Dementia cafés were originally pioneered by clinical psychologist Dr Bère Miesen in the Netherlands in 1997 with the aim of creating a setting where people could openly talk about dementia and get help and support.