Buddies volunteers honoured at birthday celebration

Buddies Dementia Café recently celebrated its 10th birthday at Nettleham Village Hall with live entertainment, music and an award ceremony to recognise the efforts of its volunteers.

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Matt Boles presented certificates to the committee volunteers accompanied by Vice-Chair Cllr John Barrett and Nettleham member Cllr Frazer Brown (bottom picture).

Chair Lulu Wood (pictured below) said: It’s always a fantastic atmosphere with up to 90 people coming each time. We’re delighted to be celebrating today.”

Lulu Wood set up the café with friends, Crystal and June (the latter is pictured above) for people living with dementia and their carers to socialise, enjoy live music and listen to talks from organisations such as the NHS and the council’s energy advice team. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month and is funded through donations, fundraising, businesses and has received financial support through West Lindsey District Council’s Councillor Initiative Fund.

Cllr Boles added: “Being here today made me realise just how big this is and the amount of work and effort that goes into organising an event on this scale. The work carried out by the team has had an enormous impact, not only on the people with dementia, but the families and the carers, so I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.

“It’s been an honour to meet everyone and see the joy that Buddies Dementia Café brings to those with dementia, their families and their carers.”

Cllr Barrett also commented: “The volunteers are absolutely wonderful, most of whom are from Nettleham and they’re doing a marvellous job in assisting those that go. I go a few times, so I recognised lots of faces and it was wonderful to see everybody enjoying themselves. It’s respite for the relatives, while for those living with dementia, it takes them back to the good old days.”

To find out more about Buddies Dementia Café, visit: https://www.buddiesdementiacafe.co.uk/