Cafe’s healthy menu of food and advice

HEALTHY food and health information and advice will be offered at Failsworth’s first community cafe which opens officially on Monday.

The cafe is a partnership between Oldham Council’s Adult and Community Services and the Age Concern charity.

The cafe, on the corner of Ellesmere Street and Oldham Road, opposite the police station, will be opened by the Mayor, Councillor Shoab Akhtar.

As well as serving freshly cooked meals, takeaways and outside catering for all age groups, it aims to provide information, host awareness sessions, organise regular events and offer social opportunities for older people.

Lindsay Pateman, Age Concern’s day services administrator, said: “The aim is to ask local people to choose how they would like to see the cafe work for them.

“At the moment we have a dementia cafe every two weeks, and ideas for projects and events already being considered include an internet café teaching computer skills, reminiscence work with older people, lifelong learning, advice and counselling on health, security, benefits, and crafts.

“The first of these projects is aimed at preventing isolation for older people who are suffering from memory problems or early dementia.

“We are working with sheltered housing and local schools to get them involved.”

Twice a month on Wednesday afternoons, Julie McBride from Age Concern provides afternoon tea, allowing older people and their relatives or carers to meet others in similar circumstances.

Staff give information on the support available and demonstrate innovative equipment designed to help people with memory difficulties. A psychologist will also be at some sessions

Executive Director for Adult and Community Services Veronica Jackson said: “We’re delighted to be working with Age Concern. This new cafe is an excellent example of how older people can have their say, as well as providing opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills.”

Call 0161-633 0213 for more information.