A new cafe for people with dementia and their carers is being launched by the Alzheimer’s Society in Stansted.

It will provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support.

Dementia cafes provide people with dementia and their carers with an opportunity to talk openly about living with dementia in a relaxed and informal environment.

The group will also hear from a variety of speakers, including health ahnd social care professionals and representatives from the community, about topics that are relevant to them. Rachel McErlain from Anglia Ruskin University will be the guest speaker on June 10 and will talk about the social impact of dementia on families.

The Stansted cafe will take place on the second Tuesday of each month between 10am and noon at The Friends Meeting House, Chapel Hill, Stansted. It is a free service. Free parking and refreshments are available.

Marion Howell, services manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in west Essex, said: “The Alzheimer’s Society dementia cafes can really help improve people’s quality of life.

“There is no need to make an appointment. People can just drop in at their convenience.

“They give people with dementia and their carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. They are also a great source of information and guidance which can help people to live well with the condition.

“We are hoping that the new cafe will be conveniently situated for people in the Stansted area and all the surrounding villages.”

It is estimated there are around 1,000 people with dementia living in the Uttlesford area, and this will rise by over 26 per cent by 2021, but with the right support, people can live well with the condition for a number of years.

The Saffron Walden dementia cafe will continue to meet at the Town Hall in Market Square between 10am and noon on the third Tuesday of each month.

As well as dementia cafes, the Alzheimer’s Society in Uttlesford runs a number of services including a post diagnosis support service, a dementia support service, ‘Singing for the Brain’, activity groups including reminiscence groups, a weekly gardening group, Young at Heart group, a carers support service and carers information and support programmes.

Further details are available from the office in Great Dunmow by calling 01279 418331 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo.