The relaxing power of nature combined with friendly companionship in the warmth of the Lakeside Café at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham is at the heart of a new dementia friendly project: Nature Memories Café run by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.
The Nature Memories Café is run by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust in collaboration with the Dementia Friendly Communities Project Officer at West Berkshire Council.
Weekly drop-in sessions on Monday mornings for people of all ages living with Dementia and their carers starts on 16 January to 20 March. Each session starts at 10.30am and people are welcome to drop-in anytime up to 12.30pm.
Thanks to grant support from Thatcham Town Council and The Alpkit Foundation these sessions are free for the person living with dementia as well as their family member, friend or carer who comes with them.
The Nature Memories Café is organised by Centre Ranger Becky O’Melia who explains how the sessions work: “Each week we will have a simple nature-based art or craft session if people would like to get involved with that, but being artistic isn’t essential.
“We expect some people will prefer to relax, enjoy the views from the café across the Lake, and have a chat while enjoying one of our delicious homemade cakes and a hot drink.”
Graham Jones, West Berkshire Council's Executive Member for Public Health & Wellbeing said: “It’s vital that we spread the word that activity and social interaction can make a real difference in helping people living with dementia to lead happy and fulfilled lives. This particular project also offers the benefits and therapeutic effects of being close to nature in a beautiful, natural setting.”
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