Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre has launched a new Dementia Café aimed at supporting individuals and families affected by the condition.
The centre, run by leading operator Everyone Active in partnership with North Norfolk District Council, staged the first session on Friday, April 26.
Everyone Active aims to support the physical and mental well-being of people from across the local community, regardless of age, interests or ability.
The new session includes refreshments, games, craft and music activities and opportunities to chat with others. It will take place from 10am-12 noon each week and is free to attend in April and May.
Carl Fairbrother, Everyone Active’s general manager, said: “It was fantastic to hold our first Dementia Café session and we are confident it will flourish.
“Our aim is to provide an inclusive offering for people from across the community, so everyone has the chance to improve their well-being.
“The session provides many benefits and those who attend can form new friendships as well as having fun.”
Cllr Liz Withington, portfolio holder for Community, Leisure and Outreach, said: “It is good to see a Dementia Cafe opening in Fakenham, providing access to activity and friendship in a supportive environment. This is hugely beneficial to those living with dementia keeping them stimulated and connected with their community.
“These cafes really are a lifeline to enable carers and their loved ones to live well with dementia, I would like to thank Everyone Active for setting this up and all the volunteers who are making this happen.”
For more information on the Dementia Café sessions, email [email protected], talk to colleagues in centre or phone 01328 850010.
Everyone Active has partnered with Dementia UK to increase awareness of dementia and raise vital funds to support families living with the condition.
Dementia is a huge and growing health crisis. Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia and currently, more than 900,000 people live with the diagnosis in the UK, with this number expected to rise to one million by 2025.
The charity’s Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support and guidance for families affected by all forms of dementia in communities, hospitals and hospices, on the free national Dementia Helpline, and in clinics.