THE work of Launceston Memory Cafe was highlighted at the start of the most recent community network panel meeting in the town.

On the evening of Thursday, December 13, those in attendance at the meeting were given the opportunity to find out about three local causes which have been expanding and improving their services, volunteer their time and work with the community.

One of these was the Launceston Memory Cafe, run by Cym Downing.

The group, which provides a space for local carers and people with memory problems every Saturday at Launceston Methodist Church, has been running for eleven years, and has gone from strength-to-strength during this time.

From humble beginnings at the Dingley Hall, Cym soon realised, with the popularity of the group, that they needed to move into the main hall of the town’s Methodist Church.

The group hosts weekly sessions, where a number of activities take place for those living with memory problems, while, at the same time, also giving carers some time to chat to others and take a break from their dedicated work.

Group members also go on regular outings, with 68 members having recently had lunch at Trethorne.

Speaking about why she started up the memory cafe, which has gone on to expand through the county and beyond, Cym said: “Saturdays are the loneliest time for people. All of our outings and parties involve food — because that’s what makes people happy, and also because it’s what they all love! They are a very happy, social bunch.”

The memory cafe has had a very successful year, having just received £6,758.90 from the Co-op’s community funding, and also receiving regular grants from the Cornwall Councillor for Launceston Central’s community chest fund.

The group also hope to be able to receive some funding from a future round of Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme. “It’s been a long time in the making,” Cym said.

Also there for the group was Nik Burgess, who said: “It’s a really lovely atmosphere, very easy going and relaxed. People like to sit in their own groups or mix with others — there’s always something for everyone.

“We have lots of different activities going on each week and we’re able to talk to people to see how they’re getting on.”

Cym said that the group has also been introduced to the world of MP3 players and headphones, which has proved very beneficial to one particular member of the group, who suffers with feelings of panic when his wife is not in sight.

“Give him his headphones and he’s much more relaxed,” Cym added.

The group also take part in all the Cornish and national celebrations, including Burns Night, St Piran’s Day, St George’s Day and Valentines Day — when all the ladies receive roses.

There are now 53 memory cafes in Cornwall, run by volunteers provided with full DBS checks. Addressing the meeting, Cym said: The holidays is when people need us the most. At the moment, I am trying to look into getting a mental health nurse — I have to have somebody to help me.”

To find out more about Launceston Memory Cafe, which meets at 2pm until 4pm at the Central Methodist Church Hall in Launceston, visit www.memorycafelaunceston.org.uk, or call Cym on 01566 774425.

Their next meeting of Launceston Memory Cafe will be on Saturday, January 5, 2019.