Lyle Gateway sets up Memories Cafe for people with dementia

Lyle Gateway, which runs drop in cafes and activities throughout the week, has now started up a Memories Cafe which is open to all.

Once a month they are creating a safe space in community cafe, based in the Lyle Kirk, with lots of old photographs, film, music and different themes. 

They have teamed up with Alzheimer's Scotland Inverclyde to make sure that there experts on hand to offer a friendly face and vital information.

Organisers Carolyn Airth, of Kidron, and Derek Mitchell, of Lyle Gateway (Image: George Munro) Development worker Derek Mitchell, from the Lyle Gateway, said: "We know from our experience in the cafe that this is something that is really needed for people with dementia and their loved ones.

"We had been talking about people's experiences of Alzheimer's Scotland and we wanted to offer something positive.

"We are trying someone different every time. We have old books of Greenock, we have films, and we want people to come along for a chat and to feel comfortable."

Lyle Gateway has worked with both the Kidron Project and Alzheimer's Scotland to offer a full range of activities.

The Kidron Project supports people with health issues in Inverclyde.

Alzheimer's Scotland dementia adviser Elaine Edgar and communities activities co-ordinator Janice Forren were both on hand. 

The charity runs a day care service in Nicol Street and also works on outreach initiatives across Inverclyde.

 janice said: "There is a lot going on in Inverclyde. We support the Football Memories at Cappielow and there is also our group at the Watt Institution.

"We are delighted to be here supporting the Lyle Gateway."

Greenock man Robert Turner, aged 80, visited with his wife Agnes to see for themselves what the Memories Cafe had to offer.

He said: "It is the first time we have come along and I wanted to see what it is like.

"We love looking back at old Greenock. We have had a lovely time. I think what Lyle Gateway is doing is great."

The Memories Cafe is set to run once a month in the Lyle Gateway in a bid to provide greater support in the community to those who need it the most.