TAVISTOCK Memory Café will be celebrating its fifth birthday by holding a birthday party on Saturday, July 23.

Members will be also treated to a virtual adventure to the Arctic Circle — a slide presentation prepared by one of its own members.

From small beginnings the café, based at the Anchorage in Chapel Street, now provides around 40 people, living with dementia, and their carers with a place where they can meet, have a cup of tea and a cake and chat to friends. All the staff are trained volunteers and many people have made lasting friendships to help them along their journey.

June Wildman, co-founder Tavistock Memory Café, said: 'We also provide a wide variety of activities for those living with dementia, designed to stimulate their memories and give them an opportunity to take part in activities they cannot necessarily do in their own homes.

'These activities range from reminiscence work to word games, from physical activities to old-fashioned games such as bagatelle, and snakes and ladders.

'We sing a lot and often have visiting musicians and even an old-fashioned concert party once a year.'

In addition, the café holds a separate carers' session at the same time — giving carers a well-earned break from their caring role while trained volunteers look after their partners, mothers or fathers, etc.

They receive peer group support as well as guidance in dealing with aspects of dementia, such as challenging behaviour and other symptoms. Individual counselling is also available, should any carer so wish.

Carers can also receive advice and guidance on how to access domiciliary care, day care and residential care and the financial side of caring — it can provide 'fact sheets' issued by Devon Council Council on a wide range of topics, and has access to professionals, should the need arise.

Trips out to a variety of places are also arranged. This year members have been to the pantomime at Plymouth Theatre Royal and visited the Donkey Sanctuary at Ivybridge to see their own adopted donkey, Wayne — the members are very fond of Wayne and follow the tales of his travels with great interest.

The café, a registered charity, receives a small amount of funding from Devon Council Council but has to raise the majority of money necessary for day to day running, such as rent, etc. Donations are always welcome.

The Memory Café meets every second Saturday from 2pm to 4pm at Tavistock Area Support Services, The Anchorage, Chapel Street, Tavistock. For further information, contact 01822 616958.