Good practice at the Dementia Cafe in Bidford, Warwickshire

Healthwatch Warwickshire visited the Dementia Cafe at West Holme Court in Bidford on Avon on 10th July 2017 to observe what happens there and identify if there was any good practice that could be shared.

The brief paper explains the function provided by the Cafe noting the following:

- that the purpose of the Cafe is to support people suffering with memory problems and/or dementia and their family, friends and carers;

- how the Cafe operates and by whom;

- that a range of activities take place;

- the pleasant atmosphere and energy observed by the Healthwatch representatives;

- the importance of the good link with the Bidford GP Practice;

- that it is funded by donations and is self-sustaining.

The paper noted two factors which appear to be key to ensuring the success of the Cafe:

- providing sufficient support to the key volunteers in the initial phases of setting up the Cafe;

- widening the volunteer base in the long term and developing relationships with community and faith groups.

Heathwatch Warwickshire notes that the function the Cafe provides is invaluable for its users and suggests that it is used as an example by other practices.

No formal recommendations were made in the paper aside from the general suggestion that other practices utilise it as a good practice example.