A NEW initiative is being launched with the aim of offering support and advice for people whose lives are affected by dementia.

The new “memory café” will be held on Mondays at Malton library between 2pm and 4pm with the first to be held next week on February 2.

It is the result of a partnership between the library and local dementia support workers Kate Paul and Irene Jervis from a specialist voluntary organisation called Making Space.

The café will be run on a drop in basis and is for people affected by dementia and their carers.

The library has been chosen as a safe, comfortable and accessible place to meet others in a similar situation, talk about their concerns and the challenges they face – and make new friends.

And either Kate or Irene will be on hand at the sessions to offer support and advice as well as a cup of tea or coffee.

The library also has a range of dementia related reading material to borrow. This includes a wide range of books, from those which help people who have just been diagnosed with dementia through to a collection of photographic picture books to aid memory recollection.