Steady growth since April launch, says Rotarian Derek

FROM next Wednesday, Sid Valley Memory Caf� will operate twice a month.

The popular memory caf�, launched in April by Derek Eagles of REPoD, Rotarians Easing Problems of Dementia, is held at Twyford House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth.

It will now, from October 13, be open on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month – October 13 and 27, November 10 and 24, and a Christmas event will be held on December 8.

“We are introducing a new programme which we will be putting out for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s and related illnesses,” said Derek.

“We have been finding out, in the first six months, what people respond to and we have got a new programme with therapist June Waters.”

Supported by volunteers, with help from Devon County Council’s mental health team, carers and family members of those with memory problems, as well as sufferers, are given help.

At the September caf� there were seven carers and five cared for members, and, said Derek: “There has been steady growth, at the drop-in caf�.”

At the launch he said the aim of the project was to have it self-financing within a year, staffed by volunteers and aided by professional support.

*Our picture was taken at the launch of the memory caf� in April. For more information about the memory caf�, contact Derek on (01395) 579789.