MP opens Henfield's new dementia cafe
Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert officially opened the Purple Angel Memory Cafe in Henfield on Saturday (7 March).
The new dementia cafe, the second in the country after Torbay, has been set up to encourage families affected by dementia or memory loss to get together.
Mr Herbert was invited to open the cafe at the Evangelical Free Church in Henfield by Alex and Jennie Cowan-Morrison who have established the Know Dementia charity.
The MP praised the charity and thanked the local agencies and volunteers who care for dementia patients. He then declared the cafe open before cutting a cake made specially for the occasion by The Artisan Bakehouse in Ashurst.
Jennie Morrison-Cowan thanked their sponsors, including Saxon Weald Housing Association, Sussex Police and Horsham Rotary Club, for their financial support, and paid tribute to the many individuals who have helped to make the cafe possible.
Know Dementia have worked with the local community through setting up awareness campaigns and identifying dementia friendly businesses. They have also established popular activity groups to help those living with dementia and their supporters.
The need for dementia services is growing. People are living for longer and dementia diagnosis is increasing. There are an estimated 13,500 dementia patients in West Sussex and the number is set to double in the next 30 years.
Last month the Prime Minister launched an unprecedented programme of action to deliver sustained improvements in health and care, create dementia friendly communities, and boost dementia research.
Mr Herbert said: "I was delighted to open the cafe and think this is a tremendous initiative, providing much-needed local support for dementia patients and their families. The number of people at the inaugural event showed why this facility is needed. I would like to thank Know Dementia, their sponsors and volunteers for their hard working in getting the cafe off the ground."
The next Purple Angel Memory Cafe will be held on Saturday 21 March, 2pm - 4pm, and every other Saturday afternoon. For more information call 01273 494300 or e-mail info@knowdementia.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes
1. Nick Herbert cutting the Purple Angel cake prepared by The Artisan Bakehouse.
2. For more information about Know Dementia see www.knowdementia.co.uk.
3. To read ‘The Prime Minister’s challenge on Dementia 2020’ published by the Department of Health last month see https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/407743/Dementia_vision.pdf.