A BIG dementia care home in Taunton is launching a free monthly memory café for any local people either living with dementia or affected by its impact on a loved one.

The Rectory Care Home, located near Taunton town centre, is opening the cafe in a bid to support local people affected by dementia and tackle issues like loneliness.

The specialised dementia care home will be launching the monthly memory café, which is free to attend, on Wednesday 7 August.

The opening hours for the café are 10.30am -12.30pm, with coffee, tea, soft drinks, cakes, and a ‘listening ear’ available to all guests.

If you're interested in attending on 7 August, you can obtain further details by calling 01823 324145 or by emailing Abbie@therectory.org.uk.

Abbie Foster and the Rectory team aim to run the memory café once a month, starting on 7 August while subsequent dates will be confirmed after the first event.

One of three homes run by the White Care Group, the Rectory has space for up to 25 residents and has won multiple awards since it was founded in 1994.

Abbie Foster, manager of the care home, said: “Our residents and my team colleagues are looking forward to welcoming members of the community to join us for a friendly and mutually supportive morning together.

“We all understand how difficult, and sometimes lonely, it can be when you’re living with or caring for someone with dementia, so we’re trying to let as many people as possible know about this new venture.

“Our aim is to provide a supportive and friendly environment where people can relax, make new friends and, if they so wish, have a chat with us and each other about the support available and strategies that can make their lives a little easier.

“It’s a free café with no entry fee or charges for refreshments, although if people wish to donate to help us cover our costs that would be appreciated. We hope to be making lots of new friends.”