Loving Arms Dementia Café is making a difference to people's lives

The Loving Arms, based at the Gerard Arms pub, in Dentons Green, meets each Friday morning.

The Loving Arms meets at the Gerard each Friday (Image: Loving Arms)

Having launched in 2018, the group offers people with dementia and their carers a space to socialise in a safe and friendly environment.

Called ‘The Loving Arms’ the sessions take place from 10am to noon each Friday and include a host of fun activities.

The group sees around 60 people attend on Friday mornings at the Dentons Green Lane pub.

The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

Those who turn up include people with dementia, their carers and ex-carers who have lost people with dementia. People who feel lonely are also welcome to attend.

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The meetings involve fun activities with refreshments, karaoke, bingo, singing and dancing, and the chance to sit in a quieter room also available.

The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

The meetings see attendees and volunteers leaving with a smile after enjoying the welcoming warm-hearted atmosphere.

The group also does day trips with the World of Glass and Southport Flower Show among previous visits.  

Violet Lowe at The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

Marina Cottam, a volunteer at the Loving Arms, said: “We give them something that creates memories and feeling.

“If everybody leaves happy we’ve done our job for that one day.

Dot, and husband John, from Rainford, who attend The Loving Arms (Image: St Helens Star)

“It is a lovely feeling here because everyone is so genuine.

“The one common denominator is everyone is genuine and absolutely lovely.”

The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

For some who attend, it is the only chance they get to socialise outside the house with the meetings giving them a real lifeline and sense of belonging.

“Dementia affects people in different ways, particularly for the carer it is hard,” said Marina, who experienced her mum having dementia.

“You go through so many different emotions and just to get away from that and make new friends, it makes such a difference to people’s lives.”

The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

Fellow volunteer Kath Goodier added: “It is brilliant. Everybody knows everybody, and it is like a family here.”

Cathy Owen, who brings her mum to the dementia café, said how much attending benefits both herself and her mum.

“With me being an only child it is good, especially the chance to come and sit together.”

The Loving Arms (Image: Loving Arms)

• People are welcome to attend the Loving Arms on a Friday morning at the Gerard from 10am, with a £1 charge. View the Loving Arms Dementia Group Facebook page for more.