New dementia-friendly café launches in Caerphilly

A new Memory Café has launched in Caerphilly, offering a space for people touched by memory loss to access support, enjoy activities, and make new connections in the community.

The weekly event is held in Plas Hyfryd, a United Welsh Extra Care scheme. Plas Hyfryd allows people over the age of 50 to maintain their independence in their own homes while having access to communal facilities and activities.

Residents, community members, families, and carers are all welcome at the café to enjoy music and games, meet new people, and share stories. There is also a collection of vintage household items to help encourage discussions and help people reminisce.

At the launch event, Jean and Pam who live in Plas Hyfryd said: “It’s brought back memories, we’ve enjoyed it. Seeing everyone together and being able to chat with new people has been great too.”

Karen Tipple, Director of Specialist Housing and Support, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Memory Café up and running for residents and the wider community to enjoy.

“Providing opportunities for residents to socialise and connect with their community is an important aspect of our work. This event is a positive step in reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation, which we know is specifically detrimental to the health and wellbeing of older people.”

Plas Hyfryd features 49 apartments set over four floors, along with a communal lounge and restaurant. Residents can enjoy facilities like private gardens, a library, and an IT suite, and social activities like bingo and coffee mornings.

The United Welsh team at Plas Hyfryd successfully secured funding from the Community Cohesion grant, offered by the West Gwent Community Cohesion Team to help promote community cohesion and bring people together.

Bridie Saunders, Regional Community Cohesion Officer at Caerphilly Council said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project. The weekly session supports residents and community members to socialise and connect with one another while receiving support and opportunities from other agencies and local partners”.

Plas Hyfryd’s Memory Café takes place every Thursday at 10:30am at 74 Fford y Maes, Caerphilly, CF83 2BH. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Plas Hyfryd team on 0330 159 6080 (press 3).

The 2024 Community Cohesion grant is currently open for applications until Friday 19^th July. If you are a community-based project looking for funding support, please contact Bridie Saunders by emailing bridie.saunders@torfaen.gov.uk.