Thanks to Councillor Claire Zammit and Councillor Jason Jackson for Holloway for helping secure Community Infrastructure Levy funding to help open the Minds Together Café in Goodinge Community Centre.
The new local café is a dedicated safe space for those who are or have loved ones experiencing memory issues. It will be open once a month and aims to run sessions each with a unique theme supporting members of the community who face memory issues or are impacted by loved ones with memory issues.
The café aims to be a welcoming and supportive pace offering:
- routine familiarity for those with memory challenges
- a judgement-free environment where dignity and compassion are central
- opportunities for connection, reducing loneliness and improving mental health
- respite and support for carers
- access to expert advice health services, right in the heart of the community
The Councillors have worked hard to ensure that this vital community asset has received the funding required for it to remain accessible to those that need it and worked with the council and with Goodinge community centre to make sure that the minds together café gets Community Infrastructure Levy funding and access to the Goodinge Community Centre. Local services will be able to work with the café and provide specialist help and support.
The café will run monthly sessions on Thursdays at the Goodinge Community Centre, each with a unique theme:
| Date | Theme | Service |
| 15th January | Winter Warmers | · Arsenal strength and balance exercise class
· Carers hub; providing advice and information · Kick off with a verse at Park Theatre |
| 12th February | Hearts and Connections | · Physical and Mental relaxation exercises, groups discussions and creative writing exercises
· Tai Chi for Dementia
|
| 12th March | Spring into Health | · Singing for the brain
· Goodinge Health Practice · UCL NHS oral health sessions |
| 9th April | New Beginnings | · Pet therapy
|
| 14th May | Blossom and Bloom | · More Life Islington; guided walks with nature in Islington’s parks
· Private garden session with sensory planting in Phoenix Gardens |
| 11th June | Sunshine and Smiles | · Tai Chi for Dementia
· Singing or the brain |
| 9th July | Creating Summer | · Summer themed crafts session
· Walking arts · Pheonix Gardens private session with sensory planting |
| 13th August | Summer Wellbeing | · Tai Chi for Dementia
· Singing for the Brain |
| 17th September | Golden Memories | · Enablement and I&A Team from Age UK
· Arsenal Strength and Balance · Singing for the brain |
| 15th October | Autumn Reflections | · Walking Arts
· Future Matters; support and guidance on ageing well |
| 5th November | Remembrance and Reflection | · Arsenal Strength and Balance |
| 3rd December | Festive Cheer | · All partners celebration event with music, crafts, and food |