STUDENTS have organised a monthly event for people living with dementia.

The Dementia Café, at New College Durham, starts service at 1pm on Friday, February 23, and will provide a safe environment for dementia sufferers to socialise and have a cup of tea.

The café is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and aims to bring the local community together on the last Friday of every month.

The ‘Time for Tea’ event is free and will be ran by health and social care students, with support from college staff.

Helen Owen, head of school at New College Durham, said: “The dementia café project will provide our students with a fantastic opportunity, to work in partnership with the local community in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Charity donations from local business included tea and biscuits from Tesco’s Extra and Sainsbury’s at the Arnison Centre

Craig Wade, health and social care lecturer, said: “I am so proud of all of the students involved as they stepped up to the challenge and worked really hard to fundraise for the project.

“The support we have received from local businesses, such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s, has been overwhelming.”

The Time for Tea event runs from 1pm-3pm.