Dementia Friendly Harpenden

Harpenden Town Council has committed to making Harpenden a Dementia Friendly Town, a place where those living with dementia are understood, respected and included. 

Dementia is a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, perception or language, and affects daily life. Dementia is challenging for both people with the condition and their carers, but it is possible to live well with dementia.

What would you do if somebody approached you and indicated they were lost or confused?

Please take a look at this article from the Alzheimer’s Society which provides helpful information and suggestions for approaching somebody who may be living with dementia. 

Are you worried about the cost of living?

Click here to read the Alzheimer's Society article about help and support available to people living with dementia.

Memory Lane Café - supporting people living with dementia in Harpenden

Every Monday 2-3.30pm

The Harpenden Memory Lane Café is open every Monday from 2-3.30pm (with the exception of Bank Holidays) at The Salvation Army on Leyton Green in Harpenden.

The Memory Lane Café has been set up to support those living with dementia and their families. Part of wider initiatives helping Harpenden to become a more dementia friendly town, the café offers a welcoming and understanding environment to enjoy tea and cakes in a relaxed, local setting. Refreshments are served alongside a varied programme of activities and entertainment, and the opportunity to get help and advice from external groups such as Citizen Advice.

The Café is organised through a partnership between Harpenden Town Council, The Salvation Army and The Harpenden Trust’s Wellbeing Hub and is an opportunity for anyone living with dementia, and their loved ones, to enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake with a range of activities to participate in should they wish to.

Upcoming sessions

Harpenden Memory Lane Cafe regularly hosts special activities which are popular with our guests. We publish information about these on social media and also on this page of our website so please revisit for up to date information which will be coming soon.

Please note that if you'd like to come along to the cafe you don't have to take part in the activities - you are welcome to join us for just refreshments and conversation if you prefer.

Enjoy the benefits of singing in our welcoming group – a choir for all, regardless of ability!

The Memory Lane Café partners are delighted to invite you to join our wonderful Intergenerational Choir. We welcome people of all ages to our friendly, inclusive group. Music has the power to lift our spirits, make us feel happy, connect us to memories, give us confidence and reduce anxiety. Whether you are an experienced singer or simply prefer to hum along, everyone is welcome. Click here for further details.

Dementia Action Week 2023

Harpenden Town Council supported Dementia Action Week again in 2023 by arranging free Dementia Friends talks for businesses and organisations. Each informative session included information, support and advice. 

Back in May 2022, Dementia Friendly Ambassador, Rob Kember, provided a great insight into living with dementia, not only for those who are already affected by the condition but also to those who support the Harpenden Dementia Friendly Town initiative and are keen to understand more. Following his Talk he kindly wrote an article to explain more, click here to read the article.

Want to find out more?

Click here to read more about further services and support in our area.