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'One stop shop' opens to offer dementia support

Ana da Silva
BBC News, Bristol
Naomi Adams A group of people are sitting around a table. There are tea mugs and a tote bag, which has the words 'Happy Days HUB', on the table. One women is smiling at something a man sitting next to her has said, while two other people seem to be in a conversation. In the background there are more tables with more people sitting and chatting.Naomi Adams
The Happy Days Hub is based at Ambition Lawrence Weston community centre

A new wellbeing hub and memory café has opened to support people living with dementia in Bristol.

The Happy Days Hub at Ambition Lawrence Weston community centre has been designed to offer fun activities and support, including legal and financial advice.

It will be a central hub for cafés run by Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) and run on Mondays and Fridays between 10:00 and and 14:00.

The group is chaired by former carer Tony Hall who hopes it will provide a "one-stop shop" for people with dementia and their carers.

Naomi Adams Three people stand by a purple ribbon that is soon to be cut. On the left, a woman holds a bouquet of flowers. In the middle, a man in a blue suit and tie speaks with open arms. On the right, another man who is also in a suit is holding the far end of the ribbon. Behind them there is a washing machine and cupboards and a hall.Naomi Adams
Tony Hall (middle) founded the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance in 2022

Mr Hall was a carer for his wife Barbara for more than 20 years, until her death in 2022. He set up BDAA to help others following her dementia diagnosis.

As well as a memory café, the aim of the hub, which opened on Monday, at Lawrence Weston is to provide social and practical support to help people navigate a dementia diagnosis.

The BDAA said the pilot was the first of its kind.

"When you get a diagnosis of dementia, or you become a carer for someone with dementia, you suddenly have a lot of questions," said Mr Hall.

"So we have created a hub where people can go to get support.

"Whether it's financial advice or legal advice, we'll provide professionals who can give advice on what they are concerned about."

'Socialise and reminisce'

The BDAA already runs Happy Days Memory Cafés in Westbury-on-Trym, Shirehampton and Sea Mills.

They are open during specific days, for two-hour sessions.

People living with dementia and their carers can meet for tea, coffee and a slice of cake, and take part in organised activities.

"We're known as the tea-time charity," said Mr Hall.

"People come along and they can socialise and reminisce."

A fourth café based in Avonmouth is due to close.

"It hasn't really taken off so we're going to close it and take it to the hub where there will be more people around," Mr Hall added.

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