Memory Care Café - Nillumbik Mayor Cr Frances Eyre joined us for a cuppa and a chat

On Monday, Nillumbik Mayor Cr Frances Eyre joined us for a chat and a cuppa at our Memory Care Café at Hurstbridge Hub.

With the support of kind volunteers, our Memory Care Café is a place where people with memory loss or impairment and their carers can come together for afternoon tea and connection. It provides an opportunity to connect and support each other in a friendly, safe and relaxed environment. Sandra, Olive and Lois volunteer every week; making cuppas, organising activities and welcoming those who come in with their warm smiles. “We wish we had this program when our husbands were alive", said Lois and Olive. "We have been through it, and we were both happy to be part of something. If we can help in any way, we want to do so.”

Cr Frances sat around the table and shared stories with the carers, and then met some of the participants who have memory loss and joined in on the games they were playing.

"It’s so nice to see everyone enjoying it. It's a really nice atmosphere. My mother had dementia, and I know how important support groups like this can help." - Cr Frances Eyre

With Dementia Action Week approaching on 19-25 September and the success of our Memory Care Café, we are opening up more two more cafés in Eltham and Diamond Creek with free open day events.

"I look forward to seeing the Eltham and Diamond Creek Memory Care Cafés being set up", said Frances. Frances will be joining us again next month at the opening of the Eltham cafe on 20th September, and Councillor Natalie Duffy will be coming along to the Diamond Creek opening on the 28th (details below). 

We would like to thank our volunteers for their amazing work, and Bruce and Rachel for their continuous effort in organising these groups.

Memory Care Café information

If you would like to know more about the Memory Care Café or register your interest, please contact Rachel Dunn on 9430 9125 or email SSG@healthability.org.au

Open day sessions:

Eltham First Session: Tuesday 20th September 1:30pm-3.00pm Where: St Margaret’s Anglican Church Hall 78-81 Pitt St, Eltham Cost: Free

Diamond Creek First Session: Wednesday 28th September 1:30pm-3.00pm Where: St John’s Anglican Church Hall 61 Main St, Diamond Creek  Cost: Free

Please RSVP to Rachel Dunn on 9430 9125 or SSG @healthability.org.au. Future Sessions cost to attend is $5.00 (we will also access government funding) or bill the full cost to Home Care Package for this program. This is an initiative from the members of the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee.

The Memory Care Cafe is part of our Connect Well Groups. 

Some more photos from the afternoon: