Dementia lunch club lifeline in fight to survive

ALUNCH club which provides lifeline dementia support is facing a battle for survival.

The Tuesday event has been taking place at the United Reformed Church on Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall for almost 10 years.

It offers a unique afternoon for those with the trauma of memory loss and a respite for carers who get a chance to share experiences and get vital support.

As well as providing lunch - the volunteers pride themselves on making sure everything is deliciously home made - what sets it aside is the entertainment laid on.

Every week musicians come along belting out old favourites and getting the audience dancing and singing along ...something many of the partners and relatives dared hardly imagine would be possible.

It has been medically proved that music helps stimulate the brain for those suffering with dementia. The events are run entirely by dedicated volunteers.

But with falling numbers the club, on the corner of Robins Lane, is struggling to keep going and organisers are urging more people to join in the fun.

For the regulars to whom the Tuesday lunch club is the highlight of their week, its closure is unthinkable.

Vivien Nelson, who has been taking her 82-yearold mother along for three years, said:“There must be very few people who have not been touched in some way by this cruel condition which robs people of so much of their personalities.

“It is places like this which provide light in an often dark world.

“Mum has Alzheimer’s and, although she struggles to remember so many things, she never forgets on a Tuesday that it’s the ‘dance thing with the good food.’

“It’s just wonderful to see her so happy and joining in the dancing - and a great chance for the relatives and carers to chat to each other and swap experiences. It would be just dreadful if it had to close.”

The organisers are hoping more people experiencing dementia problems will now come along and help make sure this lifeline is NOT snatched away.

The sessions, which run from 12.30pm to 2.30pm cost £7 and include food, drink, live entertainment and advice on hand.

Anyone interested in coming along or wants more information should call Eirwen Stevens on 07801 140733, Deborah Puttick on 07905 330936 or Jacky Smith 07518 797438.