At Barchester’s Trinity Manor care home in Sherborne, some key townsfolk recently gathered to discuss some exciting new plans for a dementia friendly café to be held in the home; aiming to provide people in and around the Sherborne area, with somewhere to come together, in a safe and social way.

The aim of the café is to provide a warm and friendly space for people to come and enjoy a cuppa and a delicious homemade cake, make friendships, socialise or share help and advice should they need it. The café will also be a dementia friendly place to come with a loved one or friend and know that they will be surrounded by friendly, understanding faces.

The ‘Trinity Café’ as it will be known, is hoping to run on a monthly basis to start out, with hopes for more frequent café sessions, dependent upon demand.

General manager of Trinity Manor Sohail Daniel said: “We are so proud to offer Trinity Manor to the community as a place to come and socialise. We are hoping to offer some entertainment and special guest speakers, but ultimately we want for those who attend the café to voice what they would like to see as part of the offerings. It’s been wonderful to discuss the plans with other healthcare professionals as well as counsellors here in Sherborne, to understand what it is we need to offer, but we especially want to ensure that those who feel alone know that they have a place to come and feel like a valued member of the community.”

With the launch date yet to finalised, but due imminently, anyone who would be interested in attending the Trinity Café is encouraged to call the home  on 01935 815972.

Cancer support group launches with informal get-together

If you are someone who has been affected by cancer as a patient, a carer, family member or colleague, support will soon be available in Sherborne.

Macmillan Cancer Support, together with patient groups, is looking to start a cancer support group in the town where members of the community can offer peer support and help each other.

Link worker Vicky Morland said: “We know it can be beneficial for people to share practical tips, experiences and provide emotional support to each other.

“It can also be fun and a chance to make new friends.

“We are holding an informal event in October (whilst maintaining covid-19 social distancing) so people can see what a support group is all about.

“There will be a chance to meet members of other local cancer support groups to chat about how they got started and to see what they get up to.”

The meeting is in the lounge at Manor Court Retirement Housing, Newland, Sherborne, on October 26 between 2pm and 4pm. Coffee, tea and cake will be served.