Jewish Care is proud to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Memory Way Café, a cherished initiative that has been a source of comfort, support, and community for people living with dementia and their family carers. The Memory Way Café has provided a welcoming and hospitable space where individuals can share experiences, seek advice, and enjoy meaningful connections.
The anniversary celebration featured guest speakers, musical entertainment, and a look back at the café’s journey over the past 12 years. Attendees had the opportunity to reflect on their shared experiences and look forward to many more years of camaraderie and support.
The Memory Way Café is renowned for its warm, sociable environment, offering regular in-person gatherings over tea and cake. These sessions are designed to be more than just a meeting place; they are a place where everyone is accepted and valued. Each meeting features an engaging speaker or activity, enriching the experience and providing both stimulation and enjoyment for attendees.
Tony, one of the members of our Memory Way Café, gave a thumbs up to the celebratory 12th anniversary tea. Tony’s wife, Sara, shared, “It’s nice to meet other family carers here. We moved here from Cambridge a year ago and we live at Jewish Care’s Selig Court Retirement Living. We enjoy coming to the café, it’s important for Tony to socialise here and for me to talk to other family carers. We also enjoy the activities that Selig Court offers.”
Carole, also a family carer, added, “It’s lovely to have the opportunity to meet people in a similar position to yourself as a carer. We love going to the Memory Way Café and as well as the Singing for Memory group at Finchley Reform Synagogue and Brian enjoys going to The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia.”
Volunteer Pam Bertschinger, one of the founders and coordinators of the Memory Way Café, celebrated 15 years of volunteering. The cafés are now run in Golders Green, Finchley, Edgware, Stanmore/Hertfordshire, and Kingston and South of the river. At the celebration at Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, Tanya Miller, one of Jewish Care’s Community Hub Managers, thanked all of our guests and volunteers for making the Café such a special place to share time together for people in the community who are living with dementia and where their partners can enjoy stimulating talks and reminiscence activities in a supportive environment.
Over the past 12 years, the Memory Way Café has become a lifeline for many, offering invaluable support and a sense of belonging. Families affected by dementia often face significant challenges, and the café provides a unique space where they can find solace, share their stories, and draw strength from one another.