Last Updated: May 27, 2025
What are Memory Cafés?
Memory Cafés, also known as Dementia Cafés, are an informal group event for people living with dementia and their friends and families. They are normally held in a village hall, community centre, or other public space and run by volunteers. They are designed to give people affected by dementia a place to speak openly, get help and support, and share information with one another.
How do they operate?
Memory Cafés are normally run through community effort, perhaps a charity is involved, but they are regularly run by people who live in the local area that want to help those affected by dementia. There’s no need to sign-up or formally join the group. They are run on a drop-in basis, so you can attend as often or as sporadically as you would like. Oftentimes the meetings are run weekly or bi-weekly.
The benefits
There are lots of benefits for those living with dementia. Memory Cafes offer an opportunity to talk with people also living with dementia in a friendly and relaxed environment.
A chance to take part in activities
They provide an opportunity to keep busy. Most put on different things to do. Memory Cafe activities can include things like knitting, painting, or music lessons, among others, during the meetings. These can help keep your brain stimulated by teaching you both new and old skills.
Get support and advice
If a friend or relative has received a dementia diagnosis, these groups can be invaluable – giving you access to information and support, as well as lessening feelings of isolation. They offer a chance for you to develop a social network of people that understand what you’re going through. Memory Cafes will sometimes invite speakers from charities, hospitals, or other services to talk with the group and answer any questions you may have about dementia.
Meet others in a similar situation
It’s also beneficial to family and friends of those living with dementia as it can offer respite from a caring role and grant them the opportunity to talk with someone that understands the caring role they provide for their loved one.
Where can you find a Memory Café?
Looking for a memory cafe near me? There are many ways of finding and accessing Memory Cafés in your local area. A good place to start is via your GP, but you can also find information in the local newspaper, in online local groups or on the notice board at a local community centre, place of worship, or village hall.
- View our list of Memory Cafés on the Care Choices website.
- Order a copy of your local Care Service Directory – these contain details of dementia groups in your area.
- Find dementia support via the Alzheimer’s Society website
- Memory cafe directory, is primarily a U.S based site but they have a database of of memory cafe uk listings .
