Surrey’s first Alzheimer’s Cafe opened last week at the Methodist Church in Ashley Road, Epsom.

The first Alzheimer’s Cafe was set up in 1997 in the Netherlands by Dr Berea Miesen, a psychologist specialising in dementia care.

The model has been hugely successful all over the world in bringing people with dementia and their families together and, until now, there has been no other service like it in the area.

The cafe is a monthly gathering where people in the early stages of dementia and their families can come together in a safe, welcoming environment with other families, volunteers and health and social care professionals, for emotional support and education.

The cafe opens on the third Thursday of every month (except August) between 6pm and 8pm.

At each event there will be a presentation by an external speaker about particular aspects of living with dementia.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Cafe contact lindacornelia@bt internet.com or on 07860 823 315.