Westminster Communities of Florida's 2017 Volunteers and Employees of the Year
Basildon Memory Cafe Newsletter Highlights
1. BASILDON MEMORY CAFE Issue 1
Basildon Memory Cafe Charity
Forget me not!
" One day, a cure for Dementia will come, and when that day arrives,
Dementia itself will become just a mere memory itself, How ironic is
that?” – Norman McNamara
Basildon Memory Cafe
Charity Newsletter
Issue Date; September
2015
Issue 1
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How the “Forget Me Not”
Memory Café began
Up until Dec 2013, for 16 years I worked at the
Fern Street Settlement Charity based in East
London as an Assistant Manager of the luncheon
club for the elderly which offered activities,
outreach, help & support. During those 16 years I
became very concerned at the plight of the
elderly and undertook courses including
Dementia Awareness as this is a dramatically
growing area of need which I wanted to address.
I did my research, thought about what I wanted to
do and drew up a proposal.
In Oct 2014 I went back to the Charity’s
committee and asked if they would consider
funding a project I wanted to get off the ground,
that being a Memory Café for those diagnosed
with dementia and other memory problems and
their carers. I researched the concept and found
a majority of café were only run on a fortnightly or
monthly basis, I wanted my one to be unique...to
be every week and offer mind stimulating
activities as well as an outreach & information
service. After many meetings the Trustees
agreed to give me limited funds for the café, as a
pilot scheme for six months, after which, it was to
be self funding.
Beginning of January 2015 I contacted Karen
Butler ( Sheltered Housing Manager) at Basildon
Council explained what I was trying to achieve
and would she/Basildon Council be interested
being a part of it. More regular meetings took
place over a month or so and with the help of
Tricia Radmore (Day Centre’s Co-ordinator at
The George Hurd Centre), Madhumita Bose
Thomas (Visual Artist) our plans came together.
On the 6th
February 2015 the “Forget Me Not”
Memory Café was born. We began with just 4
people, today we have just under 40 people
registered.
The café is growing bigger than I ever expected
within a short period of time. We are now known
as an “Unincorporated Association” we have very
good relationships with all our members and their
families, help & support of volunteers and staff at
the George Hurd Centre, built sound partnerships
with other professionals and dementia agencies.
We are and will continue to grow from strength to
strength.
Tracy Godden
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Benefits of keeping active and maintaining
everyday skills
Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve
quality of life for the person with dementia, as
well as for those around them. Activities can act
as an opportunity for fun and playfulness. They
can also encourage independence, social
inclusion, communication or expression of
feelings.
Benefits to the person with dementia
Activities can bring enjoyment and
pleasure.
By remaining involved and active, a
person with dementia can maintain their skills
and independence for longer.
Activities can help people to express how
they are feeling and relieve the symptoms
of anxiety and depression.
Activities can increase social interaction
and reduce isolation.
Sharing an activity with others may
promote shared interests, increased
interactions and understanding.
An activity may help a person feel
important and valued because it relates to
past roles and experiences, such as raising
children or helping around the home.
Shared activity can promote a sense of
belonging.
Leading a physically active lifestyle can
have a significant impact on wellbeing.
Exercise is beneficial for physical and mental
health and can improve the quality of life for
people at all stages of dementia.
Benefits to carers, family and friends
Taking part in activities with a person with
dementia can help maintain a good relationship.
Activities can offer a break from the
everyday caring routine.
Shared activities can provide mutual
enjoyment and companionship, which can
support the relationship between the person
with dementia and their carer.
Activities can encourage closeness
between a person with dementia and people
around them and improve feelings of comfort
and security.
Engaging a person with dementia in
meaningful activities may improve behaviour
that challenges.
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Opening day Introductions
Councilor Terry Sergent Ken White supporting his wife Margaret
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(Picture on right) Far Left Tricia Radmore centre co-ordinator with guests
Second left Karen Butler Manager of Basildon Second Left Tracy Godden Dementia
support Sheltered Housing Scheme worker
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Canvas painting and Paper mosaics (dinner mats)
Madhumita Bose Activities Co-ordinator
Ken White helping with activities
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What do these paintings say to you? What do you see?
May 2015
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Jean, Patricia and Christine having a catch up
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Group session bell ringing!
You can ring my bell!
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Uniform Day. Serving personnel from Emergency services, St Luke's Hospice, Girl-Guiding UK,
Essex Scouts, an RAF Veteran came for an afternoon of chat tea, cakes and activities. Was a
success! Basildon Mayor Councillor Don Morris attended.
I'm good honest!!!!
In my day!
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Kerri Taylor Fire Office chatting to Lita Walpole of St Lukes Hospice
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Thank you to Janet family and friends for the delicious cakes
Bobbie Lee Rogers and James Rogers in traditional silver service outfit
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Enjoying an afternoon together and listening to Rob
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The entertainer Rob is a street busker from Basildon, who Janet Hunt approached one day and
asked if would do a session for us, he was delighted to be asked & accepted :-)
Strictly come dancing
34. BASILDON MEMORY CAFE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 34
DONATION NEEDED..If you have any of the following that you no longer need, (or would like to buy for
us) please think of us before throwing away...
puzzles: Preferably large pieces (if not, ideally a puzzle up to 30 pieces)
Board games: Traditional ones (except monopoly). Draughts, Ludo, snakes n ladders etc
Card games: Pairs, usual packs, any card related game.
Collection is available so let me know if you are unable to get them to the George Hurd Centre.
Thank you xx
