A POPULAR event designed to support people living with dementia has celebrated its first anniversary at a seaside venue.

Harwich Library marked a year of hosting its Memory Café with a special celebration on Tuesday during Dementia Action Week.

Memory cafés enable people living with dementia to meet and interact with others and help them take part in activities to reignite memories and encourage cognitive stimulation.

They can also offer support, further information and advice to both those living with the condition and their loved ones.

During its first year, the Memory Café at Harwich Library has held 19 sessions, helping support almost 200 people with dementia and their carers.

The café has even welcomed visits from pupils at the St Joseph’s and Mayflower primary schools.

The scheme's ongoing success, with support from Alzheimer’s Society, Age Well East and Electric Palace Cinema Harwich, means that it now takes place twice a month.

The space inside Harwich Library is available to anyone with dementia as well as their family or friends and care partners in the town or surrounding areas.

John Spence, Essex councillor for adult social Care and health, said: “By providing dementia care within a shared space, in addition to achieving its primary aim of helping people living with dementia it has also encouraged positive connections between children and young people, older people and the wider community.

“Congratulations to the Memory Café and all the volunteers who’ve worked so hard to make it a success over the last year. I wish I had been there to share the cake.”   

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In light of the Memory Café's success, two further monthly dementia support events have been established - the Dementia Activity Group at West Clacton Library and a Memory Café at Manningtree Library.

Louise McKinlay, deputy leader at Essex County Council and councillor for community, equality, partnerships and performance, added: “The Memory Café at Harwich Library is one example of how our libraries are able to provide extra support to those who need it, connecting people living with dementia with family, friends and carers, as well as their local community.”

Find further information about dementia care and support in Essex at essex.gov.uk/dementia/recognising-the-signs-of-dementia.