MANSFIELD Museum is piloting a new Memory Café for people living with dementia and their carers from this September.

A spokesman said: “We aim to make the Memory Café a monthly event with a different theme to the reminiscence activities each month.

“Safe spaces that are welcoming to people living with dementia can be hard to find. We’re excited to able to use our space and resources to offer this new service to the people of Mansfield and surrounding areas.

“We’ve had a range of Reminiscence Boxes on a range of topics available for free hire for a number of years. Now we’ll be using those topics to theme each Memory café. Each café will utilise the items from a different box and there will be activities available for those who wish to join in. It will also be a space to relax for those who just want to enjoy a cup of tea in a safe social setting.”

The first Memory Café is in one of the gallery spaces on Wednesday, September 16, from 3 to 4pm (arrivals welcome after 2.30pm). It’s free to attend and is titled ‘Dress Up Afternoon Tea’.

There will be lots of different style hats and handbags to rummage through, photos of fashions from the last century and tea and cake. Donations will be welcomed to cover refreshment costs.

The spokesman added: “We’ve had some fantastic donations of tea sets, plates and tablecloths from the public far, so we’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated. We are still interested in donations of teapots and tablecloths but no other items are now required.

“The event will be supported by some of our hardworking volunteers from our Heritage Lottery funded volunteer programme.”

For more information or to register your interest in the café, contact Sally Evans, Community Participation Officer, call 01623 463088 or email [email protected]
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