DEMENTIA champions are on a mission to make Marlborough more dementia friendly after launching a memory cafe in the town.

In a partnership between Alzheimer’s Support and Savernake View Care Home on Salisbury Road, the bimonthly event has been set up to bring people living with Alzheimer’s together.

At its second meeting, Alzheimer’s Support was presented with a cheque for £150 following a raffle held at December’s launch of the project.

Along with a harpist, tea and cake was offered to over 25 guests who either have memory problems or care for someone that does.

Serina and Nigel Barttelot, 76, of Horn Street, Marlborough come to the memory cafe to socialise with other people living with dementia.

Mrs Barttelot cares for her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year and said: “When we are at the cafe and he starts behaving strangely, people don’t worry. It’s a very lonely thing for the carer and sometimes I may lose my temper but when we come here and talk to other people in the same situation they say they feel the same which makes me feel better.”

Nigel Berttelot, 76, also of Horn Street added: “People who don’t know about dementia might not understand, but here everyone is in it together. You don’t feel like the only one struggling.

“We have been really amazed by how much is done in Wiltshire. I go to movement classes and other cafes like this in Burbage, East Grafton and Lockeridge. They are all exceptional.”

Memory cafes have been set up throughout the country to provide respite for carers and stimulation for those living with dementia.

Sarah Marriott, head of community activities at Alzheimer’s Support said: “It is a fantastic cafe, we look forward to welcoming Marlborough residents to future cafes.” The next event will take place on April 16 at 2pm.