Dementia support

Alzheimer Scotland host four East Lothian Dementia Cafés. 

Ran by Alzheimer Scotland, Dementia Cafés are there to be enjoyed by anyone living with dementia (or experiencing difficulties with / concerns about their memory) their family and supporters.  People with dementia can attend independently or with a companion to provide support.  They are an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers. 

The first half hour is spent together, as a whole group, taking refreshments, and getting to know each other. We then split into an activities group (including quizzes, reminiscence, singing, games and physical exercise) and a carer support group facilitated by Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Advisor for the remaining hour.

Attending one or more Dementia Cafés can provide:

• Social connection (helping maintain purpose and communication skills)
• Cognitive stimulation (helping challenge the brain and potentially slowing down the onset of more advanced dementia symptoms)
• Emotional support (helping reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness)
• Information and advice (helping you understand more about brain health, dementia, and the supports available improve quality of life)
   

Dementia cafes 

D'Cafes, run by Alzheimer’s Scotland, are for people living with dementia and their families. They offer an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers.

The first half hour is spent together, as a whole group, taking refreshments and getting to know each other. Following that people split into an activities group and a facilitated carer support group for the remaining hour.

D’cafes run monthly and are currently available in Musselburgh, Haddington, Tranent and Dunbar - find out more here.

When and where are the Dementia Cafe's held?

• Dunbar: 
  • Dunbar Town House, High St, Dunbar EH42 1ER
  • 1st Monday of the month
  • 2:00pm to 3:30pm
     
• Musselburgh:
  • St Andrews High Church, High St, Musselburgh EH21 7EA
  • 1st Wednesday of the month
  • 10:30am to 12:00pm
     
• Tranent:
  • The Fraser Centre, 3a Winton Place, Tranent EH33 1AF
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • 2:00pm to 3:30pm
     
• Haddington:
  • The John Gray Centre, 15 Lodge St, Haddington EH41 3DX
  • 4th Thursday of the month
  • 2:00pm to 3:30pm
     

People who attend Dementia Cafés have told us:

“I've found it has helped enormously, knowing that you can be at ease and able to get some support. Also, to see my dad enjoying himself in a safe environment and not being totally reliant on me, which I know he finds frustrating.”

“Meeting other carers in similar situations and at different stages of the progression of dementia gives me an insight of what to expect. It also makes me feel better when I can help other carers by sharing my experiences. The fantastic knowledge of the Alzheimer Scotland team is a great support for me as the carer and the person I care for.”

“My husband comes back from these sessions and tells the family about it. He’s amazed if he’s won a game or taken part in an exercise. It’s good for him to do something I’m not part of but I’m in next room. He looks forward to attending.”

Who to contact for more information:

Please contact Michael Huddleston, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor

T: 0131 654 1114  or E:  mhuddleston@alzscot.org 

You can also find out more information from Alzheimer Scotland here:

Find support near you | Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland: East Lothian Services (PDF)