The Sunflower Café

Promoting Inclusion, Reducing Isolation

According to the charity Dementia UK, by 2025 it’s estimated that over one million people in the UK will be living with dementia – and almost all of us will know someone living with the condition. This is why it’s becoming increasingly important for our churches to be properly prepared to support people with dementia and their families.

‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term given to a range of over 200 different conditions which cause a deterioration in brain function. It is more common in people over the age of 65, and affects memory, thought and speech.

People living with dementia may feel worried, anxious, lonely, or isolated. Many just want a listening ear or a friendly chat over a cup of tea to share experiences and seek reassurance. Their families may also be struggling to support their loved one. This is where several of our churches have stepped in to run Dementia Cafes, meeting a real community need to provide safe spaces for people with dementia.

St Theodore’s Church in Port Talbot hosts the Taibach Sunflower Café in their parish hall every Tuesday between 2:30pm and 4:30pm. The informal support group, established by Empower Inspire CIC in October 2022, offers inclusive activities such as light exercise, wreath making, painting, and jigsaws for people living with dementia and their families.

Fr Ben Andrews, Vicar for St Theodore & St David in the Ministry Area of Port Talbot, said, “From a conversation with parishioners I discovered there was a real need to support people with dementia and their carers.

“After a conversation with Jonne Juliff from Empower, we very quickly set up the Sunflower Café of which we are very proud to be part of. We have a wonderful group who come each week for support, friendship, and fun.

“Recently I had the pleasure of celebrating a simple service with one couple on their 50th wedding anniversary. It was lovely to celebrate with them and their family as well as members of the dementia café.

“Tuesday is one of my highlights of the week and we, as a church, are pleased to able to help offer this vital service in our community .”