Trinity United Reformed Church Billingshurst

Dementia Cafe

Some members of our congregation have Dementia and so the church decided to set up a Dementia Cafe which provides a safe and supportive environment locally where people with Dementia, their carers and families can meet and offer peer support to one another.

The cafe provides a friendly atmosphere where everyone can relax, reminisce, and even play the odd game of dominoes while listening to familiar music from the '60s.  All generations enjoy quality time together having fun and sharing stories while enjoying a drink and slice of cake.

The Cafe operates on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month in the hall at Trinity from 10.00am-12.00pm.

Everybody is welcome - there is no need to book - just come along and join us!

The Alzheimer's Society visited Trinity in December 2016 to talk about the Dementia Friends initiative to allow members of the congregation and other local residents to receive training in Dementia awareness.  Our vision is to create a Dementia friendly church and community.  With the support of church members, including some of our Junior Church who have received Dementia training at Billingshurst Primary School,  the Dementia Cafe first opened its doors in January 2017 and was an immediate success; the highlight of the morning was a visit from the local Fire Service, complete with fire engine, to offer their support and give free fire safety advice to everyone attending.

Every so often we organise a themed event. In June last year Rob Nicholl came and entertained us with songs from the Big Band era and he came back again in December with a selection of Christmas music. In July we had traditional English cream teas, and in September a World War II theme complete with some coming in period costume and members of the Royal British Legion attending. A later session included a sing-song round the piano.

Unfortunately our slide-shows are currently suspended pending obtaining GDPR approvals