A Memory Cafe is a warm and welcoming community space. It offers people who experience memory loss and their family and care partners a space to to socialize, enjoy music, games, art-based activities, and to get information and resources. Memory Cafes were initially started in the Netherlands as a way to break through the stigma associated with dementia. This concept has spread over the last several decades, making its way across Europe and reaching overseas to Australia and North America.
Memory Cafes provide a comfortable setting for people who are experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. It allows them to socialize and make connections with those who are in a similar situation. We hope to create an environment where mutual support and exchange of information is accessible.
The Medical Arts Health Research Group is committed to improving health, and we are devoted to creating more dementia friendly communities; a global UN aim. One way we are approaching this, is by integrating Memory Cafes into small rural regions across the interior of British Columbia. Our first two Memory Cafes are coming up in Cawston and Keremeos, BC in early 2023.
For those living in the Cawston and Keremeos region, we have partnered with the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, and Barry Beecroft Fuel Distributors, to provide a shuttle service for the two Memory Cafes. To make use of this service please call 250-499-2352 to book your ride.
Cawston Memory Cafe - January 14th 2023
The Cawston Memory Café will be the first ever Memory Café in the interior BC. We will serve soup and scones. Visitors can enjoy a performance by the Barry Beecroft Band. There will be various activities and opportunities to mingle and talk with others in around the local community.
Where: Cawston Community Hall – 2119 Main Street, Cawston.
When: Saturday January 14th 2023 from 11:00AM – 3:00PM.
Cost: Free
Keremeos Memory Cafe - February 7th 2023
This Memory Café will have an intergenerational art experience for all people attending. Visitors can also enjoy live music, coffee, tea, and pastries.
Where: Similkameen Rec Centre – 311, 9 Street, Keremeos.
When: Tuesday February 7th 2023 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.
Cost: Free
These Memory Cafes were made possible by donationsfrom the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen and their Neighbourhood Small Grants.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to our organizers Barb Stewart at 250-499-7755 or Kidus Achalu at kidus@medicalartsresearch.com.
We hope to see you at our next Memory Café!