A new Dementia Wellness Café, thought to be the first of its kind in Camden, has opened at Highgate Newtown Community Centre.

People with dementia and their carers can drop in on Tuesdays between 10am and 3pm when there will be free activities, including a nail bar, memory painting and drawing, board games, arts and crafts and singing. Those who stay for lunch can enjoy a meal at the centre’s café for just £2.50.

The Dementia Wellness Café is the idea of Larraine Revah, who is head of older people’s services at Highgate Newtown Community Centre as well as a Camden councillor. The centre is a member of Camden Dementia Action Alliance, which has more than 50 members who are committed to making Camden a dementia-friendly borough.

The Dementia Wellness Café opened on Tuesday 20 November, when guests included Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Patricia Callaghan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Tackling Health Inequality and Promoting Independence.

Larraine, whose mother has dementia, said:

“We’re starting with one day a week but I’m hoping this will develop and we can open on other days. We’re hoping local museums will also visit and bring artefacts. Anyone from any part of Camden is welcome to attend but people with severe dementia need to come with their carer.”

Councillor Gould said:

“Our community centres play a vital role in supporting local people and bringing them together. I am sure this new Dementia Wellness Café is the start of something really special.”