Back to index of Nerve 24 - Summer 2014

Scouse Café Society

SPACE : n. A continuous area or expanse which is free, available or unoccupied

It is estimated that as many as 800,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. A friend diagnosed with Alzheimer's, one of the most well known types of dementia, explained that after his diagnosis, his world became much smaller. As well as lacking confidence to go to places, people who had known him for years started to avoid him because they don't know what to say to him.

Around two thirds of people living with dementia continue to lead independent lives. You'd never know this from the headlines, which describe 'dementia sufferers', 'dementia time bomb' and 'Alzheimer's, no cure, no hope'. Is it any wonder society has such a negative view of dementia? In a society permeated by ageism, that doesn't value older people, there is a tendency to depersonalise those with dementia. Though there is no cure, there is much that can be done, and it is important to change society's views, as these myths can prevent people seeking help.

A positive example of how we can make space available again to people living with dementia, takes place at Maggie May's in Bold Street every other Wednesday. What began as a pilot in September 2013, with a small amount of funding, has grown beyond all expectations. Over 30 people living with dementia, and their carers, come along for a meal, and each café has a theme to get conversations started should anyone feel a bit shy. More importantly, people are able to interact socially with other people, without fear of being judged or stigmatised. What is so successful about these cafés is that they take place in a non-clinical environment with staff who genuinely care and who want to create a positive experience. One carer describes them as "a chance to feel normal again".

Now the funding has come to an end, there is uncertainty as to what happens next. John Lea and his son Andy, proprietor and manager of Maggie May's, realise how valuable these ‘cafés’ have become, and have offered to continue them for as long as possible for free until such time as funding becomes available. In such times of austerity, this is a massive undertaking, but one which is too important to let go. The more social spaces that become available to people living with dementia, the more we can open up their world again and recognise them as the valuable members of society they are.

If you are interested in this project, or think you may be able to help, please contact Maria Checkland at mariajc73[at]live.co.uk or Andy Lea at andylea131[at]googlemail.com

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