Thursday launch for memory cafe

A NEW memory Café - the Sunflower - is to open in Kegworth, thanks to the Rotary Club of Shepshed Charnwood,

The aptly named Sunflower café, organised by the local Rotary club, opens its doors for the first time from 2.30pm until 4pm tomorrow (Thursday, February 7) and will be taking place at Kegworth Village Hall.

The café will offer support, information, help and guidance whilst extending the hand of friendship to people diagnosed with dementia, their families, carers and friends.

Says Rotarian Paul Miles: “We aim to play games, reminisce, sing or just while away an hour or so in a safe and welcoming environment.”

He says Cafés such as this operate on many levels but primarily allow carers to talk to others who are also experiencing the problems of everyday life coping with dementia, a time to relax and recharge.

The message from the Rotary club is: “So why not come along and join us. We aim to make the monthly meetings (first Thursday) open and caring but, above all, enjoyable. There will always be tea and cake, music and an opportunity to reminisce.”

Paul, who has been involved with a similar Café at East Leake organised under the umbrella of the Village Community Care, says the café is named after the practice of putting a sunflower picture over the bed of a person with dementia who is in hospital for another clinical reason. This allows staff to take the effects of dementia into account.

The Kegworth Cafe will be open to all the local villages, including Hathern, Castle Donington, Zouch, Sutton Bonington and Belton.

Contact for more information is David on 01509 569893, or just turn up on the day