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Dementia friendly community cafe celebrates its 2nd anniversary.
The cafe offers light refreshments, an opportunity to chat, and meet new friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Celebration event
Based at the Epping Forest District Museum, it was set up by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Dementia Action Officer, Laura Cleverley in February 2022.
It has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years and is now run by volunteers.
To celebrate the cafe’s 2nd anniversary, attendees took part in a general knowledge and music quiz and enjoyed the usual friendly chat with plenty of cake and biscuits.
A happy place
One regular cafe user said:
The cafe is a happy place and I love to attend as I live alone. We created a WhatsApp group with everyone who attends. I feel I can call on any of them if I ever need anything.
Another commented:
My husband and I love the cafe. We have formed great friendships and really enjoy the chat each week. My husband often asks if we are ‘going down the Abbey’ today.
One said:
I lost my husband in December. We used to attend the cafe together. I still like to be part of the group as they are such wonderful people (who attend).
Come along
The community cafe is open to all.
- Where – Epping Forest District Museum, 39–41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL
- When – Every Wednesday
- Time – 12noon to 1.45pm
- Price – Free
For more information contact Laura Cleverley, EFDC Dementia Action Officer:
- Email lcleverley@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
- Call 07548 145652
- Follow Epping Forest Dementia Friendly Community on Facebook
Invaluable project
Councillor Smruti Patel, Cabinet Member for Community, Health and Wellbeing said:
Happy anniversary to the community cafe. I’m delighted to see how much this project has grown in just 2 years.
It is invaluable to those who attend, helping tackle loneliness and giving support to those living with dementia and their families.
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