Frequently Asked Questions
Memory Matters Hub:
Where is the Memory Matters hub situated?
Memory Matters Hub is situated above Moments Cafe at 69a New George Street, PL1 1RJ) It can be accessed via the stairs or the lift. It is wheelchair friendly.
What takes place in the Memory Matters Hub?
The Memory Matters Hub is the space upstairs from the cafe where our Dementia Advisors, the CST, CST+ and Memory Cafe sessions are based.
Dementia Advisors
What is the role of a Dementia advisor?
A Dementia Advisor is a person who can help you navigate services and support options to find what you need when you need it. The Advisor will be aware of what is available in your area and also how Dementia can impact day to day life and the challenges that this can present. Our Advisors can also help if you are worried that you or a person you know has dementia and are not sure about what to do next. We can provide a listening ear when you need it and also help you plan ahead.
Do you have to make an appointment?
No you do not need to make an appointment, you can always just pop in. Making an appointment does guarantee that an Advisor will be available to speak with you though. You can also email us or phone us if this is more useful for you.
Is there a cost involved?
There is no charge to see one of our Dementia Advisors. We are however always happy to receive donations if this is something that you would like to do.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
What is CST?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is an evidence based talking therapy proven to slow down the progression of a mild to moderate dementia and improve quality of life in some people. It's an activity based programme where we follow the set structure each week. CST is for anyone that has been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia.
There are never more than 8 people living with dementia in a group and one facilitator and one co-facilitator.
Who is CST suitable for?
CST is for anyone that has been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia, this can also include people that are on the waiting list to be diagnosed.
Do I need to come along with the person that's attending?
CST groups are specially designed just for people living with dementia, a space that’s truly their own. We know that the first step can sometimes feel daunting, so in the very first week, a loved one is more than welcome to come along for reassurance. After that, we encourage participants to attend on their own, so they can gain the full benefit of the group, build confidence, and connect freely with others who truly understand.
Memory Cafe
What is a Memory Cafe?
The memory cafe runs on a Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm every week.
The purpose of a memory cafe is to get people together who are living with memory difficulties. It is a welcoming, supportive and safe space allowing the individual to be themselves and nobody is judged. We have cognitive stimulating activities and learn new skills and friendships.Both the person living with dementia and their carer are supported in a safe space.Information is available, as well as practical tips about coping with dementia and memory problems.
Many people make friendships as a result and are able to support each other outside the Memory Cafe setting.This informal setting provides emotional support and also reduces the isolation often felt by people with dementia, their carers and families. Volunteers and staff are only ever acting in a facilitation capacity, there to support the running of the cafe and help people who need additional help to access or understand information.Memory cafes bring people together and provide a very important addition to support services. This enables a single point of contact where information and education can be distributed directly to the point where it is of most use.
Who is this suitable for?
Anyone who is experiencing memory difficulties can attend the Memory cafe. You do not need to have been diagnosed with Dementia to be able to attend. Carers and loved ones are able to attend the groups as well if the beneficiary is not able to attend on their own and manage their personal care.
The memory cafe is run in a wheelchair friendly space.
Is there a fee?
We do ask for a small donation of £2.50 per person per week to cover refreshments.
Moments Cafe
What are the opening hours?
The Moments cafe opens 6 days a week Monday-Friday from 9.30am-4pm and Saturdays 9am - 4pm.
Who can use the cafe?
The cafe is open to everyone - families, young and old. Everyone is welcomed by our friendly cafe colleagues.
Is there WiFi?
Moments cafe has free wifi to all customers. Ask at the service counter for the password.
What food and drink is available?
We have a range of hot and cold homemade meals, snacks, cakes, scones and cream teas In addition, we have a full range of teas, coffees and cold drinks available.
We cater for vegans, vegetarians and have gluten free options available as well. Our full range is shown on our Menu.
Can I bring my dog in?
We welcome all well behaved dogs but would ask that dogs do not sit on our sofas or chairs.
What do we use the proceeds from the cafe for?
All profits from the cafe go to help fund the Dementia support work Memory Matters undertakes.
Is the cafe accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the cafe is wheelchair friendly.
Is there any parking available nearby?
There is parking in the Courtney Street car park which is located to the rear of our New George Street premises.
What is the ‘Pay it forward’ scheme and how does it work? Can I do this remotely?
Our Pay-it-forward scheme Customers have the option to buy an item of food or drink to donate to someone who is either homeless or less fortunate than themselves. We then distribute our Buy-It-Forward vouchers to local charities including the Plymouth Food Bank, Hope for the Homeless, Rethink, and Plymouth Street Pastors. People are then able to come into the café with their vouchers and redeem a hot meal and a drink.
You can purchase our buy-it-forward’s at our counter.
Training
What education/ training in regard to Dementia awareness do you offer?
We offer an Exploring Dementia training session, which provides a clear and practical introduction to dementia awareness. During this 3-hour session, participants learn what dementia is, the different types, some of the symptoms people living with dementia may experience, and most importantly, how to communicate effectively and with confidence.
How is this delivered?
All of our training can be delivered either face to face or live via zoom. However we do offer both the Exploring Dementia and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Facilitators training online. Online means people can sign up and watch pre-recorded videos in their own time and everyone will receive a lifetime access to the training.
Who is the training suitable for?
Our Exploring Dementia Training is for anyone that is affected by dementia. Whether you are a family member, colleague, volunteer or professional this course is for you. Our Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Facilitator Training is designed for those who will be delivering CST sessions within their local community to support people living with dementia. This training is specifically tailored for professionals working in the field.
Dedicated Business Space
What can we offer businesses?
We offer a range of flexible meeting suites, our venue can be adapted to suit your needs, whether you're planning a large conference, a small team meeting, a corporate training session, or a networking event.
What facilities are available?
All suites have free WiFi just for delegates, state of the art media facilities, complimentary tea & coffee, FREE parking in our private car park for the meeting lead and a dedicated events facilitator to ensure your event runs smoothly.
How many rooms are available?
Our Jennings Kittwood, Arthur Read and Emmet Bickford suites are available to book in our dedicated business space page on our website. The two larger suites can accommodate up to 35 delegates whilst the Emmet Bickford suite can accommodate up to 8 delegates.
What food and drink options are available?
We have a variety of different buffet options including cold/ hot and breakfast, tea and coffees are included with the room.
How do I book the rooms?
You can book our suites through our booking form here: Memory Matters booking form or call us on 01752 243333 and ask to speak to Georgia.
How much does it cost?
Suites start from £20 + VAT per hour, find more information here: Dedicated Business Space Pack
How can I support Memory Matters?
There are many ways for individuals and businesses to support our charity, these include:
Fundraising for us: Fundraising
Making an In-Memory of a loved one donation: Donation
Leave a gift in your Will: Will
Make a one-off donation: Donation
Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsor
If you would like more information about how you can support Memory Matters, please contact our dedicated fundraising team on (01752) 243333 or email fundraising@memorymatters.org.uk
Memory Matters Registered Charity Number: 1185367