Alongside Dementia Café – Help Shape the Idea

Alongside – a place to be together

Alongside is an early idea for a welcoming, accessible and non-clinical dementia-inclusive café and community space.

The idea is to create a relaxed place where people living with dementia, family members and carers could meet, have tea or coffee, talk, take part in optional activities, or simply spend time together.

We would like the idea to be shaped by the people who might use it. This short survey asks what you would want from a dementia café and what would help make it welcoming and useful.

It should take around 3–5 minutes to complete.

Please do not include private medical information in your answers.

1. Which best describes you?

I am living with dementia

I am a family member or friend of someone living with dementia

I am a family/informal carer

I am a professional working with people affected by dementia

I am a student or researcher

I am interested in dementia-inclusive communities

2. If you were visiting a dementia café, what would be most important to you? (Select up to 4)

A friendly and welcoming atmosphere

A calm, quiet environment

Meeting other people

Tea, coffee and refreshments

Information and practical advice

Activities such as music, reminiscence or creative activities

A place where carers can meet other carers

Accessibility for people with mobility needs

Dementia-aware staff or volunteers

Being able to simply sit and enjoy the space without having to participate

3. What kinds of activities or conversations would interest you?

Reminiscence and memories

Arts and creative activities

Gentle movement or chair exercise

Nutrition and eating well

Information about dementia and available supports

Advice and information for family carers

Talks or informal conversations with professionals

Just having tea/coffee and conversation

I would prefer not to have organised activities

4. What would help you feel comfortable and welcome?

A quiet/calm environment

Good wheelchair and mobility access

Accessible toilets nearby

Clear signs and directions

Knowing what the space looks like before visiting

Friendly dementia-aware staff/volunteers

Being able to attend with a family member, friend or carer

No pressure to talk or participate

5. When would you be most likely to attend?

Weekday early evening

It would depend on the particular day

I probably wouldn't attend myself

6. How often do you think a café like Alongside should take place?

7. Would a dementia café based in or connected with the Trinity community be of interest to you?

8. Is there anything that might make it difficult for you or someone you support to attend?

Wheelchair/mobility access

Caring responsibilities

Noise or busy environments

Feeling unsure about attending for the first time

Nothing in particular