Taking a trip down memory lane

A café with a difference has been launched by the team at Wm Dodgson & Son.

Down Memory Lane Café runs once a month to support those living with dementia and their families, with residents from local nursing homes also invited for a cuppa and cake. The initiative was launched after the staff from Wm Dodgson were trained as Dementia Friends, an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to raise awareness and understanding of the condition.

The café was introduced to offer this support to those with the condition and their carers. On the first Wednesday of each month, the training room at Lupton Avenue, Harehills, is converted into a tearoom, run by Funeral Arranger Helen Phelan and supported by Tim Ward from St Chad’s Church. Helen bakes a batch of cakes and provides games and activities designed to stimulate positive memories.

Helen, who is a qualified carer, said: “People are getting to know about us and our April café was the busiest yet, with a group coming from Meadowbrook Manor care home. We had a great time making pom poms – the residents took home an Easter wreath made of colourful pom poms to hang up in the home.”

Helen said that, while she lays on a different activity each month, visitors are welcome to come in just for a cuppa and a chat.

To find out more about the café contact a member of the team at Lupton Avenue.