DEMENTIA sufferers in Callington are set to benefit from regular support and information as the town welcomes the launch of a Memory Café.

The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by Callington Rotary Club to offer an informal setting for those affected by memory problems and their carers.

Operating on a 'drop-in' basis and supported by dedicated volunteers, it is hoped that a visit will reduce the sense of isolation which frequently affects those suffering with memory loss and dementia.

Callington Memory Café is the 26th café to be set up in Cornwall, and although launched by the Rotary Club, members want participants to have the feeling of ownership of the facility.

Callington Rotary Club president Nick Ford felt strongly that there was a need for such an initiative in the town: 'This is probably the most important single project that we will undertake in the next decade.'

Rotary member Rick Lumley initiated the idea of establishing a memory café in the town. He said: 'I believe Callington should be at the forefront of Cornish towns in the battle against dementia.'

The café will be run by trained volunteers with the help of health professionals.

Rotary member David Kelly said: 'Eighteen of our members have attended training programmes and seminars in how to recognise, offset, assist and care for people with dementia so they can do it professionally and do it well.'

Open to visitors on alternate Saturdays, the café will be based in the council chambers of Callington Town Hall between 2pm and 4pm.

Memory cafés are unlike Memory Clinics, which are formal assessment and diagnostic services for dementia run by the NHS. The cafés offer a relaxed, friendly and welcoming venue where people affected by dementia, and their carers, can get together regularly to support each other and develop friendships with others facing problems similar to themselves. It is anticipated that contacts made at the café will lead to beneficial social links in attendees' daily lives.

At the fortnightly meetings, information and practical tips about coping with dementia and memory loss will be available, there will be the opportunity to take part in stimulating, reminiscence-based activities, games, quizzes and discussions, or visitors can just enjoy socialising with cake and refreshments. The informal setting will provide emotional support, and help in reducing the pressures often felt by people with dementia and their carers and families.

The Callington venue will be the latest Memory Café operating in Cornwall as a member of the Cornwall Council-supported 'Memory Café Network'. The network has been established to offer support to those affected by memory loss and dementia and is strongly supported by volunteer groups in all parts of the county.

Callington Memory Café will open on Saturday May 26. Parking is convenient in the adjacent Co-operative car park and disabled access is available from the pannier market at the rear of the town hall.

The café has already received a commitment of support from local organisations but more support, whether on a personal level or in terms of financial support, would be warmly welcomed.

For more information contact Rick Lumley on 01579 382705 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or contact Nick Ford on 01579 351888 or [email protected]">[email protected]