A NEW memory café has been officially opened in Thornbury to support residents with dementia, and their families and carers.

The Haven Memory Café, which is based in the Thornbury United Reformed Church, has been launched to complement the memory café held at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, which has become heavily over-subscribed due to popular demand.

Opening to visitors on mornings of the first and third Friday of the month, the café will offer a relaxing and supportive venue with entertainment, activities and, of course, plenty of tea and cake.

“It is a service run by the community, for the community,” said the café’s coordinator Barbara Goom.

“Support has been terrific from the local community. We have had so many people asking how they can help.

“It used to be the case in Thornbury that there were not that many dementia-friendly facilities, but that has changed a lot in recent years and we are proud to help that movement.

“We want people from the Thornbury area with dementia to feel included in what is going on.”

She added: “Thank you to all of our volunteers for the hard work they have already been putting in and to Thornbury Rotary for their support in getting us going.

“A big thank you also goes to those that use our service, we look forward to seeing you again and again.”

Officially opening the café this morning on her birthday was Thornbury mayor and Cllr Helen Harrison, who said it was a privilege, with the guests all joining in to sing her Happy Birthday.

“It is wonderful to have the privilege of opening the memory café today,” said Cllr Harrison. “There is nothing I would rather be doing on my birthday than launching a great new service to our community.

“There are many things that are going on all around Thornbury to make it an even more welcoming place and Haven Memory Café is the latest fantastic project to add to that list.

“It is a wonderful example of Thornbury setting up new initiatives to support people with additional needs and I applaud everyone who has been involved in getting it off the ground.”

A leaflet with information about the memory café and upcoming events is available in Thornbury churches, doctors surgeries, the Town Hall and other information points.