In a world increasingly reliant on formal structures and funding, a unique and powerful model is flourishing within the dementia support landscape: the community-led cafe. These are not your typical retail cafes. They are vibrant, grassroots social initiatives, driven by the heart and dedication of local volunteers, and fundamentally different from government-funded programs.
Its community led.
At its core, a community-led cafe, is an independently run, not-for-profit group. Unlike services with government targets or funding requirements, these cafes operate without external financial mandates. They are the embodiment of a strong community-centred approach, with every aspect reflecting the needs and desires of the people who attend them.
Imagine a space where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
This is the essence of a community-led dementia cafe. They are inclusive, deeply knowledgeable about dementia and steadfastly person-centred. The magic truly lies with their volunteers – individuals who predominantly have lived experience caring for someone with dementia. This shared understanding fosters an environment of genuine empathy and support, further enhanced by comprehensive volunteer training in dementia-friendly communication and advocacy. Many of these café groups also integrate a carer support program or peer-support group aimed at strengthening care resilience, action and understanding.
These incredible organisations are proactive in strengthening local connections and championing wellbeing for all who attend too. Their sustainability and viability stem from the ingenious use of community resources, rather than solely relying on government grants. In other words, they don’t close down, when the grant stops.
These community led dementia cafes are continuously improving their knowledge about dementia and actively identify local community support networks to share with their members. Crucially, the voices of their members are central to decision-making, ensuring the cafe truly serves its community.
To be truly classified as a community-led dementia cafe, and align with the mission of Umbrella Dementia Cafes, several key elements must be present:
- A Clear Purpose: Each cafe has a distinct “Why statement” and a clear group mission, guiding their actions and impact.
- Community-Rooted: Attendees are locals, deeply embedded within the community the cafe serves. The physical environment is dementia-friendly, activities are culturally reflective, and every effort is made to inspire independence, choice, and connections among attendees.
- Committed Leadership: A dedicated leadership team champions best practice and continuous improvement, ensuring the cafe evolves to meet changing needs.
- Sustainable Funding: These cafes operate on a sustainable funding model, typically through attendance fees, local donations and community resources, completely independent of government funding.
- Supportive Governance: They possess a robust governance structure, often associated with a supportive organisation like a community house or charity, providing a framework for their operations.
In essence, community-led cafes are a testament to the power of human connection and collective action. They are beacons of hope and support, built by and for their communities, proving that true care often springs from the heart of shared experiences.
Do you run a community-led dementia café and want to be listed on the Umbrella Dementia Cafes website. Please get in touch by completing the below form
