A SUPPORT group in Odiham has shaken off the new year cobwebs and sprung back into life for 2017.

The Sunflower Cafe is a group offering support for people living with dementia and their carers, families and friends.

Sessions are held at The Old School in London Road every Wednesday from 2-4pm, with the community project provided and funded by The Mothers’ Union and The Vine Church.

Offering support to people in Odiham and people in surrounding villages and towns, the group was set up to be a safe and welcoming social environment for people living with dementia.

Group volunteers Elaine Lewington and Elaine Kent said: “Having dementia or Alzheimer’s can be isolating and a negative experience for all involved. But the Sunflower Cafe wants to give those people opportunities to mix and socialise with others in a similar situation, for a couple of hours a week.”

The support group is free to turn up to with free refreshments and various activities on offer, including table games, table tennis, memory books and craft activities.

People are encouraged to just come in for a chat too, with support on offer from helpers who are all Dementia Friends, an Alzheimer’s Society information initiative.

Both Elaines add: “This can give an opportunity for the family member and carer to chat with others, and break down the barriers of isolation.

“We aim to be caring and confidential to all, while dispelling myths and the stigma that can surround dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Help also comes to the Sunflower Cafe in the form of students from Robert May’s School.

Pupils attend the group as volunteers as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award or just as standard community service, and group organisers are encouraging all ages to help care for residents in the area fighting what can be a debilitating disease.

For more information, contact group volunteers at thesunflowercafe@out

look.com or by calling 07553 881474.