A NEW virtual dementia cafe launched last month aims to promote a message of ‘live well’ to people living with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society Cumbria holds its dementia cafe once a month and it is open to people living with dementia from across the county.

Providing the chance for people to engage in conversation with friends despite the national lockdown has been incredibly important to Dementia Connect local services manager Chris Lawson.

He said: “We can lose track of the fact that this has been an abysmal year and has been a challenge for everyone.

“The challenge for someone living with dementia is there no matter what the year is.

“We would always encourage someone living with dementia to live well – that’s one of our key messages.

“This diagnosis is difficult but if you had just been diagnosed with dementia, you’re no different that day than what you were the day before.

“What is important to you and what you want to do doesn’t change.”

Each session of the virtual dementia cafe follows a theme, from gardening to music, art and recalling past jobs.

“The first session [last month] went really well and we were really pleased with it,” said Mr Lawson.

“People enjoyed seeing faces, they enjoyed the activities and it was just a nice get-together.

“You’re still seeing each others’ faces, you’re still able to talk and bounce off each other.

“It’s still carrying a really nice atmosphere to it and a little bit of that familiar spirit we have of when something is not quite right or if something has gone a little bit wrong, you’re all in it together.

“In this case we’re all stuck at home but we’re all stuck at home together and seeing each other.”

The next session is on March 16 between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Society’s Cumbria team on 01228 819299 or email cumbria@alzheimers.org.uk.