Leading Ripon charity is ready to launch new wellbeing café after 'generous' donation

A new wellbeing cafe is to open in Ripon with “generous” funding from Ripon City Council.

Dementia Forward is preparing to open the new weekly café next month at St Wilfrid’s Community Centre in Ripon.

First launched in Ripon in April 2012, the charity has its headquarters at Burton Leonard but is regarded as the leading dementia charity for York and North Yorkshire.

The idea behind Friends Together Friday is to help anyone affected by memory problems and those who support them.

First launched in Ripon in April 2012, Dementia Forward has its headquarters at Burton Leonard but is regarded as the leading dementia charity for York and North Yorkshire. (Picture contributed)

Debby Lennox, Head of Community Operations at Dementia Forward, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Ripon City Council for supporting our new café.

"Their very generous donation is going to help us provide a much-needed service in the city where we already support many people living with memory problems.

“As a charity, we also rely on the generosity of volunteers to support our wellbeing services and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to join our team and volunteer at the café.”

Starting on September 25, Friends Together Friday will take place from 11am to 1pm every Friday at St Wilfrid’s Community Centre.

Ahead of the café’s opening, Dementia Forward is holding a dementia awareness session at St Wilfrid’s Community Centre from 6pm to 7pm next Tuesday, August 25.

Community Education Co-ordinator Fiona Andrews will provide vital information and advice to anyone experiencing memory problems or supporting a friend or relative.

Dementia Forward provides specialist support, advice, and information to anyone affected by dementia across York and North Yorkshire.

Operating from pre-diagnosis through to end-of-life care, the organization works to ensure that individuals living with dementia and their families do not face the condition alone.

In 2017, it opened its first dementia hub, George Armitage House in Burton Leonard and now has 10 welcoming hubs.

It also runs a dedicated, confidential local helpline (03300 578592) for information, guidance, and emotional backing.