What is a Memory Café 

 

 

 

Essex Libraries’ Memory Cafés are a friendly, inclusive space designed for anyone living with dementia or supporting someone who is. Each café offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where people can get together to share stories, enjoy a hot (or cold) drink and a biscuit, and take part in gentle, uplifting activities.

These sessions are all about connection with community, so whether it’s chatting with others who understand, finding support, or simply enjoying a moment of calm and companionship. It’s a chance to feel part of a caring community.

 

 

At Essex Libraries, we’re proud to work in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and other valued organisations to host Memory Cafés across the county. These sessions are currently held in seven of our welcoming libraries across our beautiful county.

Our Memory Cafés offer a safe, friendly, and supportive space for anyone living with dementia, as well as their families and carers. They’re a place to relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and take part in small activities. Most importantly, they provide a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and build new friendships in a relaxed setting.

At many of our sessions, you’ll find someone on hand to offer expert advice, guidance, and help in accessing essential services. And while support is always available, the cafés are also full of laughter and joy and many lasting friendships have started here.

 

 

Our Memory Cafés have been set up with Alzheimer's Society and other partners and at most sessions there will be someone present to provide expert information, support and and help to connect individuals with essential services. The Cafes are great fun too! Many new friendships have been made there. 

 

 

How can I help?     

Alongside our staff are a team of amazing Memory Café Support volunteers who play a key role in offering a friendly ear, sharing information and providing support to everyone who attends.

 

 

What will the role involve?     

Chatting with attendees in a friendly and supportive way  and helping them join with the group and activities.

 

What will I get from volunteering?     

A chance to share your skills and life experience. To  give something back  to the community. To meet new people and make new friends. 

 

What training and support will I receive?     

The Cafés are set up with support from Alzheimers Society. Alzheimers Society will give Dementia Friends training to all volunteers and also training in how to support the sessions.

 

We need Memory Café Support Volunteers in the following libraries.

At Essex Libraries we're proud to partner with the Alzheimer's Society, at our Memory Cafés in seven library locations across the county.

 

 

South Woodham Ferrers 

Maldon

Manningtree

Harwich

West Clacton

Rayleigh 

Billericay  

 

 

Find out more about us here: