Calderdale cafe combating isolation for elderly reopens

Memory Lane cafe, in St Paul's Methodist Church, Sowerby Bridge, has opened its doors again amid the end of national lockdown.

The cafe, in Tower Hill, was set up in 2016 to support people affected by dementia, other memory problems and combat social isolation.

The cafe spokesman, Chris Harvey said: "We're delighted to announce after having suspended our cafes during the lockdown, we will reopen.

"Firstly, we'll be working carefully to follow Government guidance for the new local tier system, and ensuring through our risk assessments and volunteer training, everyone will have a safe and enjoyable time at Memory Lane."

During the pandemic the cafe's team had to make changes to the way it runs.

Mr Harvey said: "You'll need to book in advance, we have to limit numbers. Our volunteers will be protecting you by wearing masks and, for catering, gloves.

"The volunteer will then show you to your allocated table on which you'll find a welcome pack of information, games and the quiz."

Tables will be socially-distanced from others and refreshments, which will be individually wrapped, will be served by volunteers.

"Two-thirds of our membership are affected by dementia. In the UK today there are one million people living with dementia," said Mr Harvey.

"Dementia inevitably brings isolation to the individual with the diagnosis.

"In addition, that person is cared for at home by their partner or other family member – and the increasing pressure of that task then leads to the progressive isolation of the carer.

"Coming to Memory Lane gives all of these people a break from other routines, the chance to meet up with friends, and it enables informal peer support between carers."

Around a third of the cafe's membership are isolated in one way or another.

An Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2017 survey found that 5% of adults in England report being 'often' or 'always' lonely, which led to the establishment of a Minister for Loneliness (Baroness Barran).