Dementia help service

New dementia service for Chichester and Bognor Regis areas

Light lunch, refreshments and support are on offer for people with dementia and their carers in a pilot project for Chichester and North Bersted.

‘Our Café’ has been launched by Chichester Area MIND, supported by West Sussex County Council.

This is in response to the growing need for a service that caters specifically for people over 65-years-old with dementia and those who care for them, particularly those who have just been diagnosed and are unsure of their future.

County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Graham Tyler said: “The cafés provide a warm and caring environment where people with dementia and their carers can enjoy a light lunch and refreshments, and the opportunity to chat with and support other members of the group and take part in activities.”

The cafés also provide access to information about local services and other opportunities in the local community, with the aim of enabling people to regain their independence and improve their confidence.

They run every Monday at St George’s Church Hall, Cleveland Road, Chichester, and every Thursday at the Holy Cross Church, Chichester Road, North Bersted, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

If you are a carer for someone aged 65 and over who is coping with dementia, and would like to find out more about attending the café, or if you would like to support the café by becoming a volunteer, contact Project Organiser Linda Palmer on 07507 164859 during the café opening hours or Carol Crombie on 01243 787878.