A series of dementia cafés are to be held in Windermere.

Dementia specialist nurses, Janice McKenna and Sophie Murphy-Ayeche are getting ready for the next programme of activities based in Windermere.

The pair will lead dementia cafés based in Windermere over the coming months and are hoping to spread the word to encourage more people to join.

In 2022, St Mary’s Hospice launched their first Memory Lane Café events in Ulverston headed up by Janice.

Janice first started training to work with dementia patients when her mum Pat was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s disease and has more than 15 years of experience of looking after people with dementia.

Janice explained: “When mum was diagnosed, I just wanted to be able to understand it. I went on a course to see what I could find out and then I did my NVQs and, eventually, got a diploma.”

Already working in healthcare, Janice embarked on a dementia specialism training course because she wanted to be better placed to care for her mum as her condition deteriorated.

Janice’s dad Stan was later diagnosed with vascular dementia and with the training she had and a specialist set of skills, she was able to take care of him.

“It all came in handy again when my dad was diagnosed. It was devastating that he had it too, but at least I was able to help him. I never imaged I’d end up working with dementia patients as my job, it was never about that, not to start with.”

Janice first got to know St Mary’s Hospice when her husband Dave sadly became ill.

She said: “The hospice team nursed Dave in his final days. They were fantastic with him and when I saw the level of care they were able to give it was really something I thought I’d like to help with.”

Janice said it was perfect when she heard about St Mary’s new dementia service because this gave her the opportunity to worth with the people who had cared for her husband. 

Both Janice and Sophie are hoping to attract more people to the events so they can receive some help.

The next event will be held on Thursday, February 29 from 1.15pm to 3pm. 

The sessions are aimed at providing information for those living with dementia as well as gaining some advice.

At these events there will be hot drinks, cake, laughter, fun, quizzes, singing, exercise and much more. 

If you can’t make this event, there are a few more running over the next few months.

Janice added: “People can come and be left with us by their carer, or their carer can come and join us too. We have different speakers each time and play different games. There’s something for everyone and we all have great fun. 

“I know how hard it can be caring for a loved one with dementia. You’re isolated and stressed and it’s the worst time of your life. I wish there had been something like what we provide when my parents were ill.”

All the dementia cafes are being held at the Marchesi Centre on Holly Road in Windermere.

The first event takes place on February 29, with others taking place on March 28, April 25, May 23 and June 20.

All of the dementia cafes in Windermere will take place between 1:15pm and 3pm.