For many people living with disabilities or memory challenges, social isolation can be a daily reality. But for Mike, who uses a wheelchair and experiences epilepsy and brain injury, and his carer Nicki, the Memory Café in Islington has become a weekly highlight – a place full of laughter, music, and connection. Here, Nicki shares how attending Memory Café has made a real, positive difference in their lives.
“Mike is a wheelchair user who has epilepsy and brain damage due to a stroke and brain tumour. He has very limited mobility and can only use his left arm and leg. This has impacted his life so that he needs full-time care. I have worked with him for about 20 years.
“We just wish we had the Memory Café every day!” ~ Mike, member of Memory Café
Mike has many days when he is sleepy, especially after a fit, so though we try to go out every day this can only happen when his health is good.
We have been coming to Memory Café for many years and both enjoy the weekly quiz and singing. We also love the tea and homemade cakes!
“We look forward to the socialising and the lovely helpers always make sure we are made welcome. It is great for me as a carer as I can chat to other carers and have made friends there.” ~ Mike, member of Memory Café
Mike can and does enjoy the gentle chair yoga exercises and it really helps with his mobility. We often sing the songs and try some yoga at home. Although Mike has very limited memory, he has remembered the words to many of the songs and the yoga moves.
We always look forward to Tuesdays so we can go to Memory Café. We look forward to the socialising and the lovely helpers always make sure we are made welcome. It is great for me as a carer as I can chat to other carers and have made friends there.
We just wish we had the Memory Café every day!”
Many community projects in Islington are struggling to keep their doors open. Your donations fund safe, welcoming spaces like Memory Café which support people in our community who need it most. Your kindness makes a real difference.
