Cafe makes memories in Harpenden

Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ We are called to take special care and concern for those who are in need and vulnerable.

The Alzheimer’s Society states that there are around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.

Some 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes.

1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia.

70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.

There are more than 42,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK.

More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.

Most of us will know of a friend or family that is affected. So we need to consider how we can help.

A new initiative began recently, called Harpenden Memory Lane Café. It meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 2-3.30pm, at Cornelia’s Café (St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden AL5 2TP). It provides a chance for those living with dementia and their loved ones to gather in a friendly informal setting, with complimentary hot drinks and homemade cake.

It would be great to see communities and churches do similar events or find other creative ways to support those affected and those who care for them.

By so acting, we are doing what Jesus called us to do and making a difference that counts.

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