Dementia Café
Living with dementia can be isolating - for the person with the diagnosis and for their carers. Our monthly Dementia Café in Quinton creates a space where people can relax, try new creative activities, stay active, and build friendships with others who understand the journey.
Each month, we bring together people living with dementia and their carers for creative workshops, gentle exercise, music, reminiscence work, and social time. Activities are engaging and accessible, with no pressure or performance expectations. This is about connection, enjoyment, and wellbeing.
We're running as a pilot from January to June 2025, with plans to continue and grow based on what our members need.
Who it's for: People living with mild to moderate dementia in Quinton and surrounding areas, with their family carers.
When: Monthly on Mondays, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: St Faith's and St Laurence Church, Quinton, Birmingham
Timeline
Pilot programme launches - first session on January 12th
January 2026
Monthly sessions running, building our community and shaping the programme based on member feedback
January - June 2026
Mid-pilot review and evaluation - gathering feedback from members
June 2026
Programme review complete and future plans confirmed
July 2026
Continued monthly sessions and potential expansion to reach more people across Birmingham
July 2026 onwards
2026
What happens at our sessions
Every session is different, shaped by what our members enjoy and want to explore. Activities might include:
Creative workshops (card making, wreath making, textile work, poetry)
Music and movement (seated dance, gentle exercise, music quizzes)
Reminiscence activities and sharing memories
Social time over tea, coffee, and biscuits
Seasonal and themed activities
Guest speakers from health and social care services
We provide refreshments at every session and create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of faith or background.
Our approach: This isn't a day care or respite service - it's a community space where people come together to enjoy activities, build friendships, and support each other. Sessions are relaxed and informal, with trained staff and volunteers on hand to help everyone participate.
Dementia Café Team
Mel Charters - Project Manager
Hannah Thomas - CEO
Volunteers
Our café is supported by trained volunteers who help create a welcoming environment and support activities. Interested in volunteering? Find out more here.
How to join
Who can attend:
People living with mild to moderate dementia or experiencing memory loss (with or without formal diagnosis)
Family carers must attend alongside their family member
This is for people who can attend independently or with support from their carer
Cost:
£4 per person, per session (subject to review)
Donations always welcome
How to register: Contact us to register or find out more:
Email: mel@cayrcharity.org.uk
Phone: 07761838177
You can self-refer or be referred by a health care professional or community support agency.
What we'll need: When you register, we'll ask for some basic information (contact details, emergency contact, any health or mobility considerations) so we can support your participation. We'll also ask for your consent to share anonymised data with our funders and partners to help us secure future funding, and whether you're happy for us to use photos or videos to promote the café.
For full details on what to expect, our code of conduct, and policies
Support this project
Our Dementia Café is funded for the pilot phase, but we need ongoing support to continue and expand.
We're looking for:
Corporate partners who want to support community dementia care in Birmingham
Local businesses who can contribute through sponsorship or in-kind support
Individual donations to help cover session costs and keep the café running
If you're interested in supporting this project, contact us at hannah@cayrcharity.org.uk
Thank you to our Funders
TBC