Samir visits St Mark’s Church Place to Be Café
On Friday afternoon, I popped into St Mark’s Church in Woodcote which runs a dementia the ‘Place to Be Cafe’, a social club for older people and those living with dementia and their carers.
This initiative was set up last year with the support of St Mark’s Vicar, Reverend Fiona Weaver. The café is open every Friday between 2pm and 4pm and costs £2. It is a safe and friendly place where all can feel welcome and there is often homemade cake and treats.
During my visit, I had the chance to see Fiona and meet co-founder, Lena, coordinator, Evie and other volunteers who work hard to keep this operation running as smoothly as possible.
The turnout this Friday was fantastic with every table full of people chatting, doing puzzles and quizzes over a cuppa. Guests had also come from all over Croydon as well from over the border in Sutton and Tandridge and the organisers try and organise something different every week.
It was lovely to talk to those who visit the café on a Friday afternoon, many of whom had been coming since it began last year. Carers told me how important it was to have a community hub for our elderly and those living with dementia. One person told me how many similar groups meet monthly and they really appreciate that St Mark’s do this on a more regular basis.
A copy of their flyer is attached. For further information, please call 0208 763 9991 or email [email protected].
Thank you to all those who were so welcoming on my visit. I am looking forward to returning in the future.
