We are passionate about creating a world where people living with dementia and their families feel supported, connected, and valued.
No one should face dementia alone.
Umbrella Dementia Cafés recognises the profound isolation and challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their families, and we sought to create a solution—a space where connections could flourish, support could be found, and dignity preserved.
What began as a grassroots initiative in 2016 has grown into a thriving network of dementia cafés across Australia. Every Café is fully supported by a team of strong volunteers with an understanding about dementia, both personally and professionally.
Our team operates with a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for those impacted by dementia while raising awareness and fostering empathy within the broader community.
What Are Dementia Cafés?
Dementia cafés are stigma-free spaces designed for people living with dementia and their families. Run by a dedicated team of trained volunteers, each cafe has a warm, family-like atmosphere to ensure everyone feels seen and supported. Our cafés provide a safe environment where attendees can:
and cake.
dementia care.
Our Core Values
Choice
We empower people living with dementia to rediscover their sense of autonomy and personal agency. Through activities designed with a “to do with, not for” philosophy, we promote independent decision-making and self-expression.
Connection
Our cafés foster meaningful social connections in a safe, positive environment. Members share ideas on living well at home, access innovative resources, and connect with professionals or local businesses as needed.
Awareness
We educate the entire community about dementia, available services, and how to offer support. Through collaboration with individuals, businesses, and organisations, we create a more informed and compassionate society.
Inclusivity
Our spaces adapt to the needs of people with dementia, not the other way around. We actively educate volunteers, members, and local businesses to create environments that embrace and engage everyone.
Benefits of Attending a Dementia Café
We offer social engagement, empowerment, and well-being for people with dementia, support and respite for carers, and education for the community—fostering awareness, inclusivity, and stronger connections for all.
For People Living with Dementia
- A chance to engage socially in a supportive environment.
- Activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.
- A sense of empowerment and belonging.
For Carers and Families
- Access to resources, workshops, and peer support.
- Opportunities to share experiences and reduce caregiving stress.
- Respite from daily caregiving responsibilities in a safe space.
For the Broader Community
- Increased awareness and understanding of dementia.
- Opportunities to build compassionate, inclusive neighbourhoods.
- A platform to foster connections across diverse groups.
Not just spaces, but lifelines
Over the years, Umbrella Dementia Cafés have transformed the lives of countless Australians. Our Ccafés reduce social isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and empower people to live meaningful lives despite the challenges of dementia. Families tell us they feel less alone, more connected, and better equipped to navigate their journeys.
Moreover, our Cafés create ripples of awareness in the wider community, encouraging empathy and reducing stigma. Dementia Cafés are lifelines that foster resilience and hope in all who participate.
Our Board
Umbrella Dementia Cafes driven by a passionate group of professionals who bring a wealth of experience across healthcare, community development, and non-profit leadership. Together, they guide Umbrella Dementia Cafés in achieving its mission and ensuring its sustainability.
Kirsty Porter
Founder & Director
Read Bio
Kirsty is the Founder and CEO of Umbrella Dementia Cafes (UDC). She is a registered Div 1 nurse with a degree and expertise in Aged Services Management in the UK and Australia. Drawing on international models from the UK and The Netherlands, Kirsty established the charity in 2016 and successfully implemented the evidence- based, dementia cafe ‘village model’ across multiple Victorian communities to address the gap in post-diagnosis social support.
Olive Aumen
Non-Executive Director
Read Bio
Retired Community Health Nurse & Manager with extensive experience in the health sector. As General Manager Mental Health AOD & Prevention at healthAbility for over 24 years, she led multidisciplinary teams focused on health promotion, disease prevention and supporting vulnerable communities, including remote areas and Aboriginal communities. Her commitment to public health is further demonstrated by her roles as Board Chair of the Deakin University Health Advisory Board and Board Director of Women’s Health East. Olive is a Rotarian and held senior roles at district level.
Andrew Webster
Non-Executive Director
Read Bio
Andrew Webster is Chief of Staff at Aussie Broadband and an expert in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and Strategic Transformation. He is a member of the AICD and FGIA. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew has developed and led high-performing teams across diverse industries, including Big Four consulting, with extensive work in APAC and EMEA. He is known for creating an intelligence-led risk management framework and his ability to deliver and execute critical initiatives, including organisational transformations, GRC capability enhancements, and regulatory compliance.
Chris Porter
Director & Board Treasurer
Read Bio
Chris Porter is a Director and consulting actuary at WTW, Melbourne, specialising in superannuation and employee benefits. He is a qualified Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in the UK. Chris provides actuarial and strategic advice to some of Australia’s largest superannuation funds on matters including financial modelling, long-term risk assessment and regulatory compliance. He is also a Trustee Director of superannuation funds.
Vacant Position
Chairperson 2025 - 2027
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chairperson to lead our Board during this exciting phase of growth and expansion. The ideal candidate will bring a unique blend of corporate leadership, strategic vision and a personal understanding of dementia to guide UDC towards achieving its ambitious strategic plan. We are only advertising this role on the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Please visit the AICD to learn more about this role or contact Kirsty Porter (CEO) or Jen Thompson (Chairperson) via their LinkedIn pages.
