Gabby Logan opens Holbeck Dementia Cafe

Coinciding with Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May 2017) is the launch of Holbeck’s first Dementia Café, set up by Holbeck Elderly Aid (HEA) – a South Leeds charity supporting vulnerable older people in the community.

Gabby Logan shares a joke with Jean Sykes.
Photo: Simon Hulme. Copyright of Yorkshire Post Newspapers.

The Dementia Café, which will be held once a month, on the second Monday of each month, was officially opened on Monday 15 May by TV sports presenter, Gabby Logan, alongside her mother, South Leeds-born, Christine Yorath. Honorary Patron of Holbeck Elderly Aid, The Right Honourable, Mr Hilary Benn was also present.

This initiative has been launched in response to an increased demand in the community to provide a café setting that focuses solely on supporting those with Dementia, their carers, family and friends.

The cafe, which can be found at the Ingram Gardens Community Centre in Holbeck, Leeds will be supported by a Memory Support worker from the Alzheimer’s Society, HEA staff and dedicated volunteers.  It will be a welcoming place where visitors can meet, socialise and take part in themed reminiscence activities to support their condition.

Commenting on the launch of the Dementia Cafe, Chief Officer, Elissa Newman said:

“At HEA, we see first hand the devastating effects Dementia can have on an older person’s quality of life. It can be incredibly isolating and a very anxious time for those in the early stage. We recognised a need to support these people within the community and The Dementia Café seemed the most relaxed and relevant way to bring people and their carers, friends and family together in a calm and welcoming space. We’d like to thank Gabby and Christine for officially opening the café and we look forward to welcoming all those in need of our services.”

Gabby Logan with her mother Christine Yorath, MP Hilary Benn and the HEA Team.
Photo: Simon Hulme Copyright of Yorkshire Post Newspapers.

A buffet lunch will be served free of charge at the opening and admissions thereafter will be £2 and will include light refreshments. The Dementia Café can be found at Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Ingram Gardens, LS11 9SA.