13.12.2023
Over 40 members of Ashford Place Dementia Café enjoyed their annual Christmas lunch held in the Mezzanine on Tuesday December 12th. Following a tasty traditional meal, the group were entertained to Christmas Carols with Our Lady of Grace Infant School Choir accompanied by their music teacher Mr Sharland and the school’s Deputy Head teacher Mrs Geraghty. Visits by the Infant choir throughout the school year are always a highlight at the De-Cafe, their laughter and singing of favourite songs trigger happy memories for those living with memory loss and Dementia.
Due to increased numbers seeking to attend the weekly De-Cafe , Ashford Place has launched a second weekly De-cafe which meets every Thursday afternoon from 2 – 4pm. Anyone living within the environs of Cricklewood who may be living with memory loss or early onset Dementia can apply to attend the free weekly sessions where they will be encouraged to socialise, make new friends and engage in activities including gentle exercise, singing, dancing, math and language problem solving, quizzes and art and craft activities. Everyone attending also benefits from regular updates on health and safety information and also have access to the advice and support services provided by the Community Action on Dementia team (CAD) which is based in Ashford Place.
Ashford Place Dementia Café acknowledges with gratitude the support it receives from its regular team of volunteers, - Ann, Vivienne, Caty, Patsy and Jonathan, - who attend the weekly sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. The volunteers provide a friendly ear for a chat and a joke and a refreshing cuppa. They also actively support the running of the De-Cafe with gentle exercise sessions and assisting with activities and helping members to access their Dial-A Ride.
If you feel you would like to become a volunteer and can commit to regular attendance from 2-4 pm on a Tuesday or Thursday, please contact Ashford Place for details.