Dove dementia Cafe at Diss United Reform Church celebrates 10th anniversary
A support network – set up to help those with dementia and their carers – has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Dove Dementia Cafe at Diss United Reformed Church was set up by Gabrielle Pagan and Alison Bannister a decade ago.
The venture, which runs on the first Wednesday of every month, has grown from one 92-year-old woman at its launch to now attracting around 50 people a month.
Mrs Pagan said: “In 2014, Age UK sent one of its staff here, with the task of making Diss a dementia-friendly town, which Alison and I went to.
“We then went to Wymondham United Reformed Church to see how they ran their dementia cafe and, in January 2015, we started ours with help from Age UK, which put on a training day for us all, including some people who are still helping today.
“We had the backing of our then minister, Julian Sanders, church members and Brenda and Alan Muse – and it has grown from there.”
The celebratory party had a short church service, followed by party games, which included pass the parcel, and lunch.
“It really was such fun for all of us and everyone really enjoyed themselves,” said Mrs Pagan.
The initiative has given rise to Dove Song, a singing group of around 25 people which meets on the third Monday of the month, and Dove Song Plus, a singing therapy group for adults with complex needs.
Mrs Pagan said: “It is amazing to see where we have come from in 10 years. We have picked up all sorts of ideas, met wonderful people and made good friends.
“We would like to say a big thank you to all our supporters. We stand for love in action, friendship and support, sharing both the joys and sorrows of life.”
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