PEOPLE living with dementia, and their carers and families, in Seaton and the surrounding area are to get some welcome support with the opening of a memory cafe in the town.

The Seaton branch of Devon Senior Voice has been able to launch the Seaton Memory Cafe, following a grant of £500 from Devon County Council and match funding from an anonymous donor in memory of her mother.

Memory cafes aim to offer a relaxing opportunity for people to meet, share experiences and gather information to help them and their families, and a variety of activities will be on offer throughout the afternoon.

A dementia nurse specialist will also be present for people to talk to in confidence, and who will signpost them to further help where necessary.

The cafe is supported and welcomed by the community, with people offering to help in many ways, from making cakes to volunteering on the day.

Ideas for future activities are already being suggested that will benefit all who attend.

"We are so pleased that Seaton Memory Cafe will be there to help people," said cafe chairperson Yvonne Addington. "Dementia can affect people in many ways and the effects on family and friends can be far-reaching.

"If we can just make a little difference on a regular basis, we will have succeeded."

The Seaton Memory Café will be launched between 2pm and 3pm on Monday 30 June at Small Hall, Seaton Methodist Church, Scalwell Lane, Seaton EX12 2ST.

Its first official day will be Monday 7 July, and on the first Monday of each month from then on.