A new dementia-friendly café in Winwick has made a fantastic start, with more than 40 people attending its very first session on Thursday (9 April).
The Forget Me Not Café, held at Winwick Community Centre, is a joint initiative between Winwick Parish Council and Warrington Borough Council, created to support people living with dementia and the families who care for them.
The opening session saw a brilliant turnout from across the community, with visitors enjoying tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes in a warm and welcoming environment.
Local ward councillor for Burtonwood and Winwick, Cllr Stuart Mann, who also serves as a parish councillor in Winwick, attended the launch and praised the community response.
“It was lovely to see so many people come together for the very first session. Over 40 people through the door on day one shows just how needed this kind of support is in our community. Something as simple as a cup of tea and a conversation can make a huge difference.”
Cllr Mann also paid tribute to the officers who helped bring the café to life.
“I want to personally thank Laura and Ange from Warrington Borough Council, who have been absolutely instrumental in getting this café up and running. Their hard work, care and commitment have made today possible.”
The café will now run every Thursday from 10:30am to 12pm at Winwick Community Centre, offering a relaxed and supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers.
Plans are already in place to expand the sessions, with future activities set to include craft days, live music, quizzes, and opportunities to access health advice and support services.
Residents are being encouraged to attend and spread the word, particularly to those who may benefit from the support on offer.
Volunteers are also welcome to get involved and help the café grow.
For more information, or to offer support, contact: Laura on 07971 030851 or Ange on 07977 943700
The Winwick café also forms part of a growing network of dementia cafés and support groups across Warrington, giving residents access to support throughout the week.
Across the borough, these include:
Monday: Monday Fun Social at Westy Community Centre (10:30am–12pm) and Love to Move / Music & Memory at the Salvation Army on Academy Street
Tuesday: Forget-Me-Not Café at St Paul’s Church, Penketh (10am–12pm)
Wednesday: Reminisce Café at Westbrook Library (10:30am–12pm), Memory Lane Café at Grappenhall Community Library (1:30pm–3pm), Lymm Memory Café at Lymm United Reformed Church (1:30pm–3pm), and Dementia Activities Group at The Gateway on Sankey Street (1:30pm–3:30pm)
Friday: Forget Me Not Memory Café at the Sunflower Café in Culcheth (12:30pm–2:30pm), Fun Friday Social at Greenwood Community Centre (10:30am–12:30pm), and the Forget Me Not Café at Burtonwood Library (10:30am–12pm)
These groups provide a mixture of social interaction, music, games, gentle exercise and conversation, helping people living with dementia remain connected while also supporting carers.
