Each year, Menith Wood WI members are proud to support a local charity chosen by themselves to reflect the aims and values of the WI. This support aims both to raise the profile of the charity and to contribute to it financially by organising fund-raising events on its behalf. In the recent past, we have supported Life After Stroke, and our local First Responder, Martin Bennett.
In 2017/2018 our chosen charities are two local Dementia Cafés. This support links to the 2016 National WI mandate entitled “Carers Welcome” with its concerns for compassionate and respectful care, particularly in hospital, of those suffering from dementia and of their carers.
There are a growing number of Dementia Cafés across the country which offer a regular meeting place for sufferers and their carers alike. Inclusive activities are provided, alongside the opportunity for carers to give each other mutual support.
Stourport-on-Severn
Stourport Dementia Café, St Michaels Church, Church Drive, Stourport DY13 9DT
The Dementia Café is held twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 2-4pm and is run by volunteers, all of whom have undergone Alzheimer UK’s Dementia Friends training. A warm welcome is offered in a relaxed, friendly, warm, safe environment along with a variety of fun activities at each session, which include armchair exercise; music, dancing and singing; crafts of various sorts. No charge is made.
The café is used by several local Care Homes who bring some of their residents to benefit from the stimulation of different company and surroundings. Staff are very complimentary about all that is offered.
Stourport Dementia Café celebrated its first birthday in February 2018. It is hoped that they will be able to increase the number of regular sessions in the future.
Liz Bloomer and her team are also working with local businesses to make Stourport-on-Severn a Dementia-Friendly Town by encouraging as many traders as possible to pledge to show tolerance, patience and kindness to dementia sufferers.
Contact Information: Liz Bloomer on 01299 825 009 or 07870 070 508
Bewdley
Riverside Dementia Café, Riverside Church Centre, Dog Lane, Bewdley DY12 2EF
The Dementia Café takes place on the 1st and 3rd Thursday 10.30am-1.30pm and is run by volunteers with nursing and care qualifications.
Clients are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and have a two course cooked lunch. Activities include music, drumming, singing, crafting, board games, darts, skittles and dancing.
A charge is made for each session.
Contact Information: Liz Walton on 07760 496 993