For Bridget, long-time Islington resident, Memory Café has been a source of friendship, routine, and joy – even after the loss of her husband, Michael.
“I have lived in the area for over 40 years. I have been in Islington ever since I got married and we brought up our children here. My husband Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s some years ago. It was in his family, but he fought it off till he was about 85. He had a very strong character! He was very sociable and found the Covid lockdown particularly hard.
“My husband Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s some years ago. It was in his family, but he fought it off till he was about 85. He had a very strong character!” ~ Bridget, member of Memory Café
One day when we were walking home from the clinic, we saw a poster advertising the Memory Café at Christ Church. We decided to try it, and both enjoyed it. Michael loved meeting other people but complained there weren’t enough men! He loved poetry and read his favourite poems at the Café a couple of times. Reading poetry together helped keep his language going for some time.
“The welcome starts outside, and then you get helped inside!” ~ Bridget, member of Memory Café
Michael died last year aged 90 but I still come to Memory Café because I love meeting other people and finding out about them. The Café is always lively and very friendly – the welcome starts outside, and then you get helped inside! I also like it because it gives a good routine to the week and everyone I speak to agrees on what an important part of their week it is.”
Your support helps local people like Michael and Bridget access safe, welcoming spaces where they can get the support they need. 100% of your donation makes a real difference in our community.
