History

Downham Dementia has created a safe, caring and positive environment for those diagnosed with dementia and their carers.We began in 2015 under the name Downham Dementia Support Association and ran one café a month which soon extended to two with various social trips as well.We also undertook community training events about the effects of the condition of Dementia. The Association was run by a Management Committee.
COVID 19 halted the provision of café sessions so the Management Committee switched its services to telephone contact and home drop off gifts of food.We also supplied books of word searches and crosswords, colouring and pots, soil and plants for our café users to pot up and care for. The nature of dementia is such that it isolates individuals and it was critical to keep going during the period of the pandemic to try to ensure that the isolation that was being experienced at that time was reduced.
The need for the community base service grew and the decision was taken by the management committee to become a charity in 2021 and the three current trustees were chosen from the committee.
The charity now runs four cafes each month alongside community social activities and community fundraising events at which the charity is promoted. The cafes continue to offer friendship, activities and practical advice given where required