Memory Café at Shire Hall Museum

July 3rd, 2023

Shire Hall Museum has expanded its work with people living with dementia thanks to support from David Upshall Insurance.

The Memory Café at Shire Hall Museum provides socialisation and activities for people living with dementia and their families. Launched in August 2021, the Memory Café offers free monthly reminiscence sessions. Delivered by Anne Brown, Learning Manager at the Museum, with the support of volunteers, the Memory Café includes object handling and engaging conversations.

Participants at the Memory Café said:

“Shire Hall’s Memory Café is fun, interesting and it’s great to meet people with the same issues. There are very few places like it in the area.”

“It is so nice to feel comfortable in an environment where everyone understands our circumstances. We don’t have to explain or apologise- we’re all in the same boat.”

Following interest and feedback from people attending the Memory Café, Shire Hall Museum expanded its work with people living with dementia and is now offering two free reminiscence sessions a month.

Tamsin Little, Communications and Fundraising Manager said: “The response that we’ve had to the Memory Café has been incredible. Anne and the volunteers do such a fantastic job of creating an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. 

As a registered charity, the Museum relies on support in order to continue our work with the community. Thanks to sponsorship from David Upshall Insurance Services, we have been able to expand our Memory Café and engage with even more people. Everyone at Shire Hall Museum is incredibly grateful to David Upshall Insurance Services for sponsoring the Memory Café.”

As an organisation, Shire Hall Museum are Dementia Friends through Alzheimer’s Society, and staff have undergone dementia awareness training. The Memory Café is held in Shire Hall Museum’s Learning room, one of its light and open spaces.

For more information about the Memory Café at Shire Hall Museum, please contact info@shirehalldorset.org