Donegal Memory cafés among the national dementia network

Did you know that there are three ‘Memory’ Cafes in County Donegal?

Dementia can be a challenging condition for both individuals and their loved ones. But there is support available, and one great way to connect with others facing similar experiences is by attending a Dementia (or Memory) Café.

A Dementia (or Memory) Café is a friendly, informal meeting space where individuals living with dementia, their families, carers, and even healthcare professionals can gather, share experiences, ask questions, and provide mutual support. These cafés are welcoming, non-judgmental spaces that aim to reduce the feelings of isolation often experienced by those affected by dementia.

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Dementia Cafes usually take place once a month in a community centre, library, sports club or nursing home and typically last about two hours. Guest speakers give talks on health, staying active and living with dementia. Often there will be entertainment and music and there’ll always be a cup of tea or coffee and pastries or biscuits available as well as a friendly chat.

There are 64,000 people living with Dementia in Ireland and that figure is predicted to increase to 150,000 by 2045. In 2016, the estimate suggested there were 2,200 individuals with dementia in Donegal, with approximately 300 of those under 65.

There are currently over 70 dementia cafes in Ireland and the hope is to increase that number across the country and across Donegal during the next few years.

The Dementia Café Network, which is managed by the charity Engaging Dementia, is active across Ireland, offering free and accessible monthly meetings. These cafés offer more than just emotional support. They provide information about dementia, practical advice, and a place to discuss challenges and solutions in a relaxed setting.

Kim Tully, CEO of Engaging Dementia, states, “as part of our mission to expand the support network, we’re reaching out to see if anyone is interested in setting up a local Dementia Café in their community. If you are passionate about helping others affected by dementia and think that there’s a need for a café in your area, we’d love to hear from you. It would be great to see more Dementia Cafes open across Donegal to help support all of those affected by the condition”.

“It’s just a matter of getting a team of volunteers to start one. Engaging Dementia and the Irish Dementia Cafe Network would be happy to support you so get in touch today. In other counties, volunteers have set cafes up in Community Halls, Church Halls and local GAA clubs, and with the support of the Dementia Café Network, you’ll have all the tools you need to make it a success”.

One such success is the Caife & Cinealtas Dementia Café, which takes place in the CDP in Dungloe. Here is what one of the attendees had to say about their experience: "The Caife & Cinealtas Dementia Cafe has been so beneficial to both myself, and my Mum. It's such a welcoming, friendly meet-up, with people who understand that connecting is so vital to all who are getting more isolated as Dementia progresses.

“We've enjoyed the lovely activities, such as reflexology on one occasion and movement to music on another, as well as homemade scones and tea and a chat on arrival. We are so looking forward to the next one in the CDP in Dungloe."

If you or a loved one would be interested in attending a local café, they take place here:
Caife agus Cinealtas, Bunbeg
Ionad Noamh Padraig, Upper Dore, Bunbeg
Takes place on the Fourth Monday of every month.
Contact Maire Ui Chomhaill on ionadnp@gmail.com, or 086-8259752 for more information

Caife agus Cinealtas, Dungloe
CDP na Rosann CTR, Chapel Rd, Dungloe
Takes place on the Second Monday of every month.
Contact Roseann Ni Ghallachoir on rossescdp@gmail.com or 087-6007807 for more information

Ballybofey Donegal Alzheimer Cafe
Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey
Takes place on the Second Wednesday of every month.
Contact Christine Kyohairwe on 087 7787043 or christine.kyohairwe@alzheimer.ie for more information

For further details or to discuss starting a Dementia Café in your area, please contact Michelle at michelle@engagingdementia.ie, call 01 2608138 or visit www.dementiacafe.ie.