Memory Café for those living with dementia launches in Dungarvan

The pop-up café will be a place where people living with dementia, their friends, family, and healthcare professionals can meet to exchange ideas and learnings

Michael & Deirdre Loftus pictured at the launch of Merry’s Memory Café, Dungarvan’s first dementia friendly pop-up café for those living with, or affected by dementia. Picture: Chani Anderson

A Memory Café designed for those living with, or affected by, dementia was launched in Co Waterford this week.

Dungarvan's first dementia-friendly pop-up café, located in Merry's Gastro Pub on Main Street, aims to provide a warm and welcoming space for those living with the illness.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) initiative will be a place where people living with dementia, their friends, family, and healthcare professionals can meet to exchange ideas and learnings.

According to the ASI, there are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition is expected to double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

The café, which was opened by Older People Minister Mary Butler, is based on an international model, and it will provide an informal way to meet others living with dementia and to engage with health and social care professionals.

Maurice and Kathleen Foley at the launch of Merry’s Memory Café, Dungarvan. Picture: Chani Anderson

Light refreshments along with a mix of education and support will also be on offer.

An expert speaker will be invited to the café each month to talk about a topic of interest, but it will also be a space to chat and enjoy a social occasion in a supportive environment.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Butler said: “An estimated 1,729 people live with dementia in Waterford, and 63% of people with dementia live in the community in Ireland. 

"As Minister for Older People with responsibility for dementia, I have been working to improve the community services and supports available to people with dementia and their families throughout Ireland.

Michael Loftus at the launch. Picture: Chani Anderson

"I am delighted to continuously provide the Alzheimer Society of Ireland with funding to support the rollout of Memory Cafés and dementia-specific day centres. 

The Dungarvan Memory Café will provide invaluable information on topics related to dementia, while also providing social contact and peer support to people with dementia and their families in a welcoming environment. 

"Currently we are striving to make Dungarvan a dementia-inclusive community and this Memory Café is another step towards reaching this goal.” 

Head of operations and community engagement at the ASI, Siobhan O’Connor, said: "Today, it brings me great joy to see this new Memory Café open. We’re indebted to the Friends of ASI Dungarvan for their tireless work to make this dream a reality. 

Deirdre Loftus enjoys a cuppa and a chat at the launch. Picture: Chani Anderson

"It will allow people living with dementia and their families to come together, exchange ideas, and meet each others in a fun, inclusive environment that is designed to cater to their needs.

"I’d like to thank Minister Mary Butler for the support in opening the daycare service and supporting the opening of the café, and for her continued support of The ASI.” 

The Memory Café project was spearheaded by Friends of ASI Dungarvan. 

It marks the next step in the ASI's commitment to creating supports and services for people living with dementia and their families in Dungarvan. 

Friends of ASI Dungarvan is a group of local leaders dedicated to creating a dementia-inclusive town.

The Memory Café will run on the first Wednesday of every month from 11am to 1pm.