Rotherham: Memory café launches to combat loneliness

The sessions are suitable for those living with dementia, or memory loss, and their carers.

A new memory cafe has opened in the grounds of what is thought to be the largest stately home in the UK.

Based in the newly restored Camelia House at Wentworth Woodhouse, the Home Instead Memory Café offers a place for people with dementia to socialise and enjoy a range of activities.

Emily Finan, from Home Instead, said they wanted to create "something special" and help tackle loneliness.

The sessions run on the second Monday of the month between 13:00 and 15:00.

Ms Finan said: "It's really a chance for people who are alone with dementia and other memory issues to come and experience something special.

"Not only are they challenging their brains by taking part in quizzes, puzzles and socialising, they're also in an environment which in itself is worth looking at and worth noting and is going to inspire people to start talking and start reminiscing."

The Singing for the Soul choir from Parson Cross Forum performed at the cafe's first session

Sessions include activities such as planting seeds, clay sculpting and talks on subjects including coal mining and the history of tea.

A launch event held earlier this month included a performance by the Singing for the Soul choir from Parson Cross Forum.

Ms Finan said: "It was amazing to see the smiles on the faces of people who often sit all day with nothing to do.

"I could see people talking to each other and I could see the activities, the thing that we'd worked hard to create for months finally coming together."

Wentworth Woodhouse's head of culture and engagement, Victoria Ryves said, "Community and wellbeing are very much at the heart of what we do at Wentworth Woodhouse so we are delighted to be partnering with Home Instead on this new venture.

"We look forward to welcoming more local visitors living with dementia, or memory loss, and their carers to enjoy cultural activities and conversation in the beautiful Camellia House over the coming months."