On 14 February 2022, Valentine’s Day, Morrisons supermarket together with Dementia Friendly Watford hosted their first cafe dedicated to people living with dementia and their carers.
Christine Smith from Morrisons Watford wanted to provide a space in the supermarket where people living with Dementia could come and have some refreshments and entertainment, whilst their carers had some time to themselves to do some shopping or just have a cup of tea and some cake in a relaxed environment.
Morrisons provided the space, the refreshments and the entertainment. Dementia Friendly Watford provided the volunteers and supported the event.
Councillor Jenny Pattinson, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing and Chair of Dementia Friendly Watford Steering Group, said “The residents of Watford who live with Dementia want opportunities to socialise and have fun in an environment where people understand the challenges they may face.
“It was a pleasure to deliver Dementia friends training to the staff at Morrisons and it is wonderful to see this project coming together. My thanks go to Christine and Julie from Morrisons whose passion for helping people living with Dementia to feel welcome in the store has made this cafe such a success.”
Christine Smith said "I wanted to provide a safe space in the store where people living with dementia and their carers could come and feel relaxed and cared for. They can sit and enjoy the refreshments and entertainment or have some time for themselves to do some shopping. Yesterday we had more than 20 people come and enjoy their time together."
