Sale URC in Greater Manchester is an ageing congregation. When the church considered its future, it took into account the people who were part of its fellowship and the everyday realities that faced them. It found quite quickly that dementia played a huge role in the lives of many churchgoers and members. Hence ‘Dorothy’s Memory Café’ was founded.

Dorothy was a much-loved member of the community who was affected by dementia. This weekly event, which offers a chance for people affected by dementia, along with their carers and family members, to meet together for fellowship and support, gathers in her name.

In addition to offering games, music, cuddly animals and other means of creating a safe, gentle environment in which to spark happy and fulfilling memories, leaders of the café also engage in training and ongoing learning to make sure they are up to date with the latest knowledge and practice so they can offer the best advice and support they can to people who visit the café.

Simon Peters, project manager for Walking the Way, visited the group which organises the café, and realised very quickly just how much the simple act of providing space, refreshments and a loving environment is doing to support people in Sale facing dementia. He says ‘Through Dorothy’s Memory Café, Sale URC offers a fantastic example of what it means to Walk the Way of Jesus by recognising the everyday realities which people in the local context are facing and seeking to connect these with the work of the Church, connecting faith with everyday life.’

What issues and concerns do people in your congregation face in their everyday realities? Is there something the church could do to support them in facing these concerns? The Walking the Way resource map could help you in making connections between everyday life and living out faith.