A Dementia-Friendly Café on Sydney’s North Shore

Since November 2018, around Sydney’s Upper North Shore, DCaf Connections’ weekly social café programme has provided an opportunity for small groups of people living with dementia and their family carers to socialise, relax and discover ways to live well with dementia. 

As well as sharing a chat and cuppa, groups enjoy a wide variety of table activities, fitness sessions (balance and memory exercises), speakers and activity providers on subjects of interest to our group. Information about local services and support groups is also provided.

Based on feedback from participants, many of whom have been with the group since the beginning, an enhanced programme has recently been implemented.

The group is also enjoying a new quieter and more spacious venue with even more fun activities, and they encourage new participants to join. During the COVID-19 restrictions, the group moved to meeting online.

During 2019, Programme Co-ordinator Fiona worked with various local councils and community groups to set up DCafs in other Sydney locations and liaised with a regional NSW community group to adapt our social café programme to suit their community’s needs and wishes.

They also welcome any offers of support or suggestions on ways to resource the entirely volunteer-run programme.

To book your place to join the weekly social café, please visit facebook.com/DCaf-Connections

Are you interested in what this could look like in your community?

The first step is to become a Dementia Friend. Find out more at dementiafriendly.org.au or call our National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500