There were plenty of willing takers for the delicious cakes on offer at the coffee morning held at Ross Meeting Centre last Wednesday, March 7th.

As well as the refreshments, there were some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs, and £375 was raised for the work of Admiral Nurses, who work alongside families affected by dementia. It was the perfect opportunity for volunteers, carers and those with dementia to get together and raise funds.

Ross Meeting Centre, which is based at Christ Church, Edde Cross Street, provides a regular place, with activities and lunch, for carers and those they support, to meet. They enjoy music sessions, bingo, word games and play quite competitive games involving soft bats and balloons.

Joining the regular visitors to Ross Meeting Place were members of Young Dementia Herefordshire, which is based in Hereford but open to anyone in Ross.

It used to be called the Out and About group because their main aim was to enable those with early onset dementia, dementia which begins before the age of 65, and their carers, to get out. One member said: “Life goes on, even with dementia.”

Andrea Bentley, one of the 217 Admiral Nurses who works with the families and carers of those with dementia was also at the coffee morning. She works with the Herefordshire Care Homes group, supporting the care team in these six homes, and the relatives of those with dementia.

A qualified mental health nurse, Andrea is keen to help raise funds for Dementia UK so that they reach their target of 300 Admiral Nurses in place by 2020.

Admiral Nurses were named by the family of Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who founded the charity. Joseph had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as ‘Admiral Joe’ because of his love of sailing.

Admiral Nurses help families face dementia with more confidence and less fear, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.

Anne Parsons, RMC administrator, says: “Time for a Cuppa is a lovely opportunity to spend time with friends and family, while raising funds for Admiral Nurses. Looking after somebody with dementia can be very challenging, and Admiral Nurses help the entire family cope.

“Since the Ross Meeting Centre opened a year ago, we have seen how important it is to support carers as well as providing a stimulating and enjoyable environment for people with dementia.”

For more information about Young Dementia Herefordshire visit www.youngdementiaherefordshire.org and for information about the Ross Meeting Centre you can email [email protected]