Free monthly dementia-friendly café makes welcome return to Thatcham
A café supporting people living with dementia has returned to Thatcham.
The Nature Memories Café was initially unable to reopen due to a lack of funding after closing during lockdown.
But thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts and individual donors, which have provided enough funding to cover more than a year of sessions, the café restarted its free, monthly drop-in sessions at the Nature Discovery Centre this autumn.
Starting in 2017, the café provides a supportive space for West Berkshire residents living with dementia and their loved ones and carers to chat and take part in nature-themed crafts and activities.
One guest who has attended several sessions said: “There are lots of activities such as drawing to get involved with, but the talking is most important.
“You meet people here and they chat to you, and it’s a really good session. It’s well supported, and we love it here.”
Mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos, who attended a recent session with Deputy Mayor Petra Pemberton, added: “The first thing that struck me as I walked in was how many people were here, and that just shows the need for places like this.
“People I’ve spoken to have said how much they value the opportunity to get out and socialise, to do something different and see different people, as much for the carers as well as those who are living with dementia.
“They need the chance to be with people who understand what they’re going through and to be able to talk about that.”
The café, run by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, is hosted in the Lakeside room at the Centre.
One upcoming festive session will take place next Tuesday (December 17) and will offer visitors the chance to enjoy music, board games and festive treats.
BBOWT’s nature memories officer Jone Ayres said: “We always have a range of activities for our guests, but if they’re happy to just have a chat around the table with some coffee and lovely piece of home-baked cake, that’s great.
“I’ve only heard positivity so far, and it’s heart-warming for myself and for my brilliant volunteers.
“I’d reassure anyone who’s interested that you can feel at home with us, safe in the knowledge that we know your situation and everybody is in the same boat.”
The café runs on the third Tuesday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Visit bbowt.org.uk/events or contact ndc@bbowt.org.uk to book your free place.
BBOWT will be fundraising in 2025 to enable the Nature Memories Café to continue.
Please contact jennymccallum@bbowt.org.uk if you wish to support the sessions financially.
