Home Instead celebrates the success of their ‘Alzheimer’s Café’

Volunteers dancing

Home Instead Rochdale is urging locals affected by Alzheimer’s to visit its monthly well-being café in Milnrow.

The free event, for people living with the disease, their carers and families continues to support countless people in the community since taking over the café some time ago.

The café provides a space for people with Alzheimer’s, their carers and families to socialise with others impacted by the condition. Visitors also hear from guest speakers, including the Alzheimer’s Society, who offer an insight into the disease and give advice on how loved ones can provide support.

During the first lockdown, the café lost funding from the Alzheimer’s Society. Home Instead Rochdale were intent on keeping the café open, avoiding potential closure. Two members of the Home Instead team now organise and facilitate the event each month, renamed ‘The Milnrow Wellbeing Café’, supported by four local volunteers.

Thanks to Home Instead, the café could continue as a popular place for people affected by the condition, a safe space to visit, relax, socialise and spend time away from home.

Raising awareness and funds for dementia is a top priority for Home Instead Rochdale since many of its clients live with the neurological disease.

David Bradshaw, franchise owner said: “I am delighted with how popular the café has been! We know how important it is to get people talking about Alzheimer’s, help them understand it and know how to support them living with the disease.

“The café gives them a chance to connect with others while having some fun in the process thanks to the entertainment and quizzes we provide.

“It’s emotional not just amongst our clients but people across the community too. I’m certain that we’ll continue raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and the people affected by it.”

Keen to do more to help Alzheimer’s, David is completing the Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk in Northern England, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. You can sponsor him here.

The café takes place on the first Tuesday of every month at Butterworth Hall in Milnrow. People can book a table by ringing Home Instead Rochdale on 01706 249100.