Bridgwater Hospital's memory café helps people reconnect and reminisce
The monthly sessions bring patients, families and carers together
A memory café at Bridgwater Community Hospital, created from a healthcare assistant's determination to improve the lives of people living with dementia, continues to bring patients, families, carers and local people together.
The Bridgwater Memory Café was first launched in December 2024 by healthcare assistant Hayley Saturley, whose passion for dementia care inspired her to create a welcoming space where people could socialise, share memories and take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment.
What started as an idea to help patients feel more comfortable and connected has grown into a regular event supporting people both within the hospital and across the wider community.
Saturley had already helped introduce a range of initiatives on the wards to enrich the experience of people living with dementia, including communal lunches, bedside music therapy and activities designed to stimulate memories and encourage conversation.
She worked closely with colleagues to help people remain active, engaged and connected to the things that matter most to them, with a belief in seeing the person, not the patient.
Following months of planning, the first memory café took place in December 2024, followed by a second event in February 2025.
Today, the café continues to provide opportunities for people to make connections, enjoy activities and spend time together away from the more structured routine of a hospital ward.
Ali Thomas, an occupational therapist and reablement therapy manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, explained the concept behind the café.
"Hayley wanted people to come together more and she wanted greater connection," she said.
"Usually when there's people from outside coming in, they bring someone with them, so it's that opportunity for them to chat as well and to offer a little bit of information.
"We know that activity facilitates social interaction, which in turn improves a person's wellbeing, as well as the pleasure in doing something with others."
Sessions are often themed around different times of year and celebrations, with activities designed to spark memories and encourage conversation.
Previous events have included Burns Night and VE Day-themed gatherings, while a recent session featured a Eurovision Song Contest theme, complete with music, quizzes, non-alcoholic punch and craft activities.
Hospital chaplain Hilary Allen said the memory café exists because of Saturley's commitment to supporting people living with dementia.
"Hayley's big passion is dementia and she wanted something that we could do here at Bridgwater Hospital that could help people, not only those being cared for on our wards, but the general public too. That's what began our memory café, her passion," Allen said.
Allen added that the sessions often create special moments between people and their loved ones.
"Quite often we find that the son or daughter will chat to their parent and all of a sudden, the son or daughter will say: 'I never knew that!' That's because we talk about things that they don't talk about at home. It's all about connections within families as well," she said.
"When you visit patients on the ward it can be quite passive, but in the memory café we're asking people to do something and communicate, so it's a bit more active. I think one of the main benefits is having that change, which includes a change of room, a change of doing something, interaction and connection."
The café also provides valuable support for carers.
Rehabilitation assistant Elaine Kelly, who has been leading the memory café more recently, said people caring for someone with dementia around the clock need a break.
"For people who are with someone living with dementia 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they really do need a break. We aren't offering a sitting service, but we're offering a friendly chance to interact with others kind of break," Kelly said.
She said one of the defining features of the café is the welcoming atmosphere it creates.
"We've often had patients bring their family into the memory café and it's very much a safe space. There's a lot of acceptance too, as if you say the same thing six times, nobody blinks," Kelly said.
Those attending say the sessions have had a real impact on their wellbeing during what can often be a difficult time.
Peggy, from Taunton, said: "I've been in hospital for quite a while and have nothing better to do. I find it brilliant. The staff are very involved."
Mary, from Martock, said: "I came to break up some monotony and my family love to see me going out and about where I can. I enjoy it and love seeing the smiley faces."
Anne, from Chard, said: "I'm glad I came. It's very good. I've found it very interesting. The staff here are wonderful and are very helpful with everybody."
Janet, from Chedzoy, said: "I've found it really good and hope they run more. I'd love to do it every day."
Betty, from Bridgwater, who regularly attends the sessions, said: "I enjoy being with all the other people as we do have a laugh sometimes. I love it here.
"Even if somebody is not very well, somebody will be there to help them and that's what I find is great in this place."
The memory café runs on the last Friday of every month in the meeting rooms on the first floor of Bridgwater Hospital, with a lift available.
Anyone who would like to attend with someone who cares for them can call Elaine Kelly or email the hospital's memory café team to book.