Salvation Army opens dementia support café at Matley Community Centre

published on 27 Jan 2017

A new Christian support cafe run by The Salvation Army for people with dementia and their carers is set to launch on Wednesday 1 February.

The group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30am to 12pm at Matley Community Centre on Brimbles Way for tea, coffee, cake and informal activities including craft, quizzes and games.

Leader of Peterborough Ortons Salvation Army, Lieutenant Angela Wilson, said: “Living with dementia and caring for people with dementia can be a really lonely experience.

“After speaking to local people and supporting my mother who has the condition, I’ve recognised the need for more safe and accessible spaces where people with dementia and their carers can meet, socialise and take part in activities that enrich their lives.

“This new café is all about journeying together and helping each other live life to the full – we’d love to see you at Matley Community Centre on 1 February.”

The Salvation Army, an international church and charity, is one of the UK’s largest providers of social care with registered care homes and services for older people across the country. As part of her ongoing training as a Salvation Army minister, Lieutenant Angela has studied dementia support.

Lieutenant Angela added: “People with dementia really benefit from informal atmospheres and interactive activities - the same is true when it comes to church. So in addition to offering tea, coffee, and cake, there will be the chance to sing hymns and listen to a short reflective thought.

“You don’t need to be a Christian to come along - we know that many older people have memories of attending Sunday school as children and we hope that hearing familiar words and songs may trigger memories and enable people with dementia to engage with those around them.”

Matley Community Centre has full disabled access and parking on site. For more information, please contact Lieutenant Angela on 01733 230830 or email angela.wilson@salvationarmy.org.uk