Alzheimer's Café

The Alzheimer's Café opened on Wednesday 20th May 2015, by the Worshipful the Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr UllaKarin Clark.  It is aimed at providing a place for those living with this condition and their carers to get together for a time of fellowship: tea, chat, friendship, singing, music, stories, gentle sports and sharing.  Activities have included:

  • A monthly speaker
  • Question time
  • Social and sharing time
  • Books, fact sheets and resources
  • Make-up sessions by Boots the Chemist
  • Free refreshments
  • Resource boxes from Wokingham Library
  • Music time

The Café meets on Wednesdays fortnightly (term-time only), from 2.00 to 3.30pm in the Bradbury Centre Café Mosaic. 

Future meetings (no need to book):
15 April     'Protecting ourselves from scams and rogue traders'
 - Laura Allen, Public Protection Community Officer
29 April     Going for a Song: ukulele group
13 May     Hand and Nail care with Home Instead
 3 & 17 June     
 1 & 15 July     

Annual Report (March 2026)

The Alzheimer’s café has seen varying attendance this year, with parking and traffic issues affecting some people.  There are usually 20-35 people each fortnight.  These are people with mild-moderate dementia, who are accompanied by their carers.  We provide refreshments and activities such as books, puzzles, quizzes and music to encourage people to share their memories.  The activities on offer have included live music, gentle (seated) exercise, craft, table tennis and a Christmas party in December.

Sadly, a number who attended regularly have died during the year; we were also pleased to welcome some new couples.

We benefit from regular support and attendance by Wokingham Borough Council; staff from the Older Adults Team can advise as to what support can be provided at home and other services available locally.

In December, we held a Christmas party, which featured Anna Nightingale, a singer, and a visit from Santa Claus.  The food was kindly sponsored by Parson’s Grange and Alexandra Grange care homes, and Anna Nightingale was sponsored by Circus Scene and Wokingham in Need. 

We also benefit from regular support from Farley Grange care home – usually in the form of cake.  Volunteers from Home Instead will be leading a session of hand and nail care.

We discontinued the short service of worship each month, as very few people attended.

There is always room for another volunteer, so if you feel this might be for you, please do drop in on one of the advertised dates and see what we do.  Whether you are good at practical things such as making hot drinks and handing round the biscuits, or the essential chatting and befriending, you would be very welcome.

Kim Tame