forget me not memory café newsletter

BASILDON MEMORY CAFE Issue 1

Basildon Memory Cafe Charity

Forget me not!

" One day, a cure for Dementia will come, and when that day arrives, Dementia itself will become just a mere memory itself, How ironic is that?” – Norman McNamara

Basildon Memory Cafe Charity Newsletter

Issue Date; September 2015

Issue 1

BASILDON MEMORY CAFE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 2

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How the “Forget Me Not”

Memory Café began

Up until Dec 2013, for 16 years I worked at the Fern Street Settlement Charity based in East London as an Assistant Manager of the luncheon club for the elderly which offered activities, outreach, help & support. During those 16 years I became very concerned at the plight of the elderly and undertook courses including Dementia Awareness as this is a dramatically growing area of need which I wanted to address. I did my research, thought about what I wanted to do and drew up a proposal.

In Oct 2014 I went back to the Charity’s committee and asked if they would consider funding a project I wanted to get off the ground, that being a Memory Café for those diagnosed with dementia and other memory problems and their carers. I researched the concept and found a majority of café were only run on a fortnightly or monthly basis, I wanted my one to be unique...to be every week and offer mind stimulating activities as well as an outreach & information service. After many meetings the Trustees agreed to give me limited funds for the café, as a pilot scheme for six months, after which, it was to be self funding.

Beginning of January 2015 I contacted Karen Butler ( Sheltered Housing Manager) at Basildon Council explained what I was trying to achieve and would she/Basildon Council be interested being a part of it. More regular meetings took place over a month or so and with the help of Tricia Radmore (Day Centre’s Co-ordinator at The George Hurd Centre), Madhumita Bose Thomas (Visual Artist) our plans came together.

On the 6th February 2015 the “Forget Me Not” Memory Café was born. We began with just 4 people, today we have just under 40 people registered.

The café is growing bigger than I ever expected within a short period of time. We are now known as an “Unincorporated Association” we have very good relationships with all our members and their families, help & support of volunteers and staff at the George Hurd Centre, built sound partnerships with other professionals and dementia agencies.

We are and will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Tracy Godden


Benefits of keeping active and maintaining everyday skills

Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve

quality of life for the person with dementia, as

well as for those around them. Activities can act

as an opportunity for fun and playfulness. They

can also encourage independence, social

inclusion, communication or expression of

feelings. Benefits to the person with dementia

Activities can bring enjoyment and

pleasure.

By remaining involved and active, a

person with dementia can maintain their skills

and independence for longer.

Activities can help people to express how

they are feeling and relieve the symptoms

of anxiety and depression.

Activities can increase social interaction

and reduce isolation.

Sharing an activity with others may

promote shared interests, increased

interactions and understanding.

An activity may help a person feel

important and valued because it relates to

past roles and experiences, such as raising

children or helping around the home.

Shared activity can promote a sense of

belonging.

Leading a physically active lifestyle can

have a significant impact on wellbeing.

Exercise is beneficial for physical and mental

health and can improve the quality of life for

people at all stages of dementia. Benefits to carers, family and friends

Taking part in activities with a person with dementia can help maintain a good relationship.

Activities can offer a break from the

everyday caring routine.

Shared activities can provide mutual

enjoyment and companionship, which can

support the relationship between the person

with dementia and their carer.

Activities can encourage closeness

between a person with dementia and people

around them and improve feelings of comfort

and security.

Engaging a person with dementia in

meaningful activities may improve behaviour

that challenges.

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=139

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=84

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/factsheet/529



BASILDON MEMORY CAFE Issue 1


Opening day Introductions

Councilor Terry Sergent Ken White supporting his wife Margaret


(Picture on right) Far Left Tricia Radmore centre co-ordinator with guests

Second left Karen Butler Manager of Basildon Second Left Tracy Godden Dementia support Sheltered Housing Scheme worker


Canvas painting and Paper mosaics (dinner mats)

Madhumita Bose Activities Co-ordinator

Ken White helping with activities


What do these paintings say to you? What do you see?

May 2015


Jean, Patricia and Christine having a catch up


Group session bell ringing!

You can ring my bell!


Quiz afternoon


Dementia Awareness Day


Enjoying a visit to Affletts Court


June 2015

Flower power!


The final product!


Jewelry Making

Puzzle Mania


Lets Plant!


Uniform Day. Serving \personnel from Emergency services, St Luke's Hospice, Girl-Guiding UK,

Essex Scouts, an RAF Veteran came for an afternoon of chat tea, cakes and activities. Was a

success! Basildon Mayor Councillor Don Morris attended.

I'm good honest!!!!

In my day!


Kerri Taylor Fire Office chatting to Lita Walpole of St Lukes Hospice


Puzzles:

Christine with her mum Joyce

Bill with his wife Christine


TEA DANCE 13TH SEPTEMBER 2015

Raffle Prizes


Desert

Anyone for cake?


Anyone for cake?


Thank you to Janet family and friends for the delicious cakes

Bobbie Lee Rogers and James Rogers in traditional silver service outfit


Enjoying an afternoon together and listening to Rob


The entertainer Rob is a street busker from Basildon, who Janet Hunt approached one day and

asked if would do a session for us, he was delighted to be asked & accepted :-)

Strictly come dancing


DONATION NEEDED..If you have any of the following that you no longer need, (or would like to buy for

us) please think of us before throwing away...

puzzles: Preferably large pieces (if not, ideally a puzzle up to 30 pieces)

Board games: Traditional ones (except monopoly). Draughts, Ludo, snakes n ladders etc

Card games: Pairs, usual packs, any card related game.

Collection is available so let me know if you are unable to get them to the George Hurd Centre.

Thank you xx

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