Dementia café for Victoria Pride Centre

The event is a collaboration between Dementia Australia, Lifeview, and the Victoria Pride Centre.

The Memory Lane Café project, started by Dementia Australia, aims to challenge the negative social stigma and isolation people with dementia and memory impairment experience.

Noting the number of members with dementia who visit the centre, CEO of Victorian Pride Centre, Justine Dalla Riva, says the venue will help people “build connections in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”

“We’re proud to collaborate with Dementia Australia and Lifeview on a project that addresses the barriers LGBTIQ+ individuals face when accessing mainstream spaces and bridges the gap of social isolation for those living with dementia in LGBTIQ+ communities,” said Dalla Riva.

Dementia advocate and 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year, Anne Tudor, says the project will be a delight for all elders within the LGBTIQ+ community.

“It will provide much comfort for members of our community, young and old, to know the Café will be supported by kindred spirits at our Pride Centre,” says Tudor.

Dementia Australia national patron, Ita Buttrose, says the new cafe will provide a “relaxing and fun venue” that will allow people to “foster meaningful connections within the community.”.

The Memory Lane Café is expected to begin this September. The event will be free for attendees, including carers and the wider community, but will require bookings ahead of time.

To find out more about the event and register your interest,
call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or email vic.memorylanecafe@dementia.org.au.