There were plenty of smiles, conversations, and cups of tea shared as we welcomed people to the very first Kenilworth Memory Café at St Francis of Assisi Church on 13 May.
Running every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, the café offers a friendly and relaxed space for people living with memory loss or dementia, along with their family members, friends, and carers.
From games and activities to refreshments and conversation, the café is all about bringing people together in a warm and welcoming environment.
A lovely first morning together
Our first session was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of friendly conversation as people settled in, shared stories, and got to know one another over a cup of tea.
One of the most popular activities of the morning was Playing Card Bingo. Using large playing cards alongside the cards being called out helped make the game easier to follow and recognise, while still keeping things fun and light-hearted. Before long, the room was full of laughter, conversation, and a little bit of friendly competition around the tables.
We also spent time painting community stones together, creating colourful designs that we hope people will soon start spotting around Kenilworth. It was lovely to see people chatting, sharing memories, and simply enjoying the chance to be creative together in such a relaxed environment.
To finish the morning, attendees took part in some gentle Love to Move exercises. These seated exercises combine movement with thinking skills and are designed to support coordination, concentration, confidence, and communication in an enjoyable and accessible way. The session brought a calm and uplifting end to the morning, with many people saying how much they enjoyed taking part.
It was also wonderful to welcome Alison Insley, the new Kenilworth Mayor, who spent time chatting with attendees and getting to know the team. Everyone also loved meeting Claire and Vicki, her Guide Dog, who quickly became very popular with the group and brought plenty of smiles throughout the morning.
Most importantly, the session already felt like the beginning of a welcoming little community, with people relaxing into conversation, supporting one another, and enjoying simply being together.
Supporting people to stay socially connected
With around 982,000 people now living with dementia in the UK, more families than ever are experiencing the challenges memory loss can bring to everyday life. Dementia is now recognised by NHS England as one of the country’s biggest health and care challenges, with numbers expected to continue rising in the years ahead.
For many people, memory loss can gradually make social situations feel more difficult or overwhelming. Over time, confidence can change, routines become smaller, and opportunities to get out and meet others can become more limited.
That is why welcoming community spaces like Memory Cafés can make such an important difference.
The Kenilworth Memory Café has been created to offer somewhere relaxed and friendly where people can continue enjoying social connection, gentle activities, and meaningful conversation in a supportive environment. Whether someone joins in with every activity or simply comes along for a cup of tea and a chat, the focus is always on helping people feel comfortable, included, and part of the community.
The NHS has also highlighted the impact loneliness and social isolation can have on older people’s health and wellbeing. Having somewhere familiar to visit each week, where people can spend time with others and feel understood, can make a real difference both for people living with dementia and for the people supporting them.
What to expect each week
Each week at the Kenilworth Memory Café will include a mix of gentle activities designed to encourage conversation, confidence, creativity, and connection in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Some sessions may include music and singing, art and painting, games and quizzes, seasonal activities, themed events, and gentle Love to Move exercises. Activities are designed so people can join in as much or as little as they would like, with the focus always on helping everyone feel comfortable and included.
Alongside the activities, there is always plenty of time to sit with a cup of tea, enjoy some refreshments, and chat with others. For many people, it is simply a chance to get out of the house, meet friendly faces, and spend time in good company.
The café will also regularly welcome organisations and professionals from across the local community, including groups such as Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses, Adult Social Care, and carers organisations. These visits give attendees and their families the opportunity to ask questions, receive advice, learn about local support services, and access helpful signposting in an informal and approachable setting.
Sessions cost £3 per person, including refreshments, and there is no need to book in advance. Whether someone comes along every week or just drops in occasionally, they will always be met with a warm welcome.
Where to find us
The Kenilworth Memory Café takes place every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at St Francis of Assisi Church in Kenilworth.
Sessions cost £3 per person, including refreshments, and there is no need to book in advance. Whether you would like to join in with activities, meet others who understand, or simply enjoy a friendly morning out with a cup of tea and conversation, everyone is very welcome.
Alongside the new Kenilworth café, Unique Senior Care also runs several other Memory Cafés across the local area. The Leamington Spa Memory Café takes place every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm at Cubbington Village Hall, while the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café runs every Tuesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Dorridge Methodist Church. We also run the Solihull Memory Café every Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Solihull Indoor Bowls Club.
Each café offers the same relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with activities, refreshments, music, movement, and opportunities to spend time with others in the community.
Kenilworth Memory Café
- St Francis of Assisi Church, Kenilworth
- Every Wednesday, 10:30am–12:30pm
- £3 per person, including refreshments
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With over 40 years of experience in the care industry, providing outstanding care has always been Helena’s core mission.
Helena has been a dedicated member of Unique Senior Care for eight years, starting as Care Manager and advancing to Head of Extra Care and now serving as Director of Operations.
She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England), as well as a Diploma in Welfare Services. Helena has completed various leadership and management courses, enhancing her expertise in the care industry.
Helena has authored published articles, including one for Skills for Care on managing change through the COVID pandemic. She has a steadfast commitment to advocating for and supporting those in need, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.