Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. We provide advocacy, support services, education and information.

“Memory Lane Cafés” is a social support program that offers a welcoming, semi-supported event where people can gather and relax, knowing it is a dementia-friendly space.

Dementia Australia held its first Memory Lane Café over ten years ago. Since then, the cafés have spread around the country.

The cafés see friendships strengthen and new connections form as people continue to meet regularly in a safe comforting dementia friendly environment.

While there are commonalities between each Memory Lane Café, they also differ to meet the needs of the individual participants and the local community.

Some cafés have refreshments and entertainment, while others give participants a quiet and safe space to have a cuppa and connect with others. Sometimes there’s dancing and there might even be group singalongs or guest speakers.

Generally, each café is open for 90 minutes to two hours. Dementia Australia support staff and volunteers are on hand, and participants can attend with their support person as well (such as their spouse, child, friend or carer).

Volunteers are not required to have hospitality/ barista experience – this is not a café, it’s a social group! If you can use a kettle or urn that’s a bonus!

If you have the following approach and experience, it would be wonderful to hear from you:

• a warm, welcoming approach and genuine interest in others
• happy to help with practical tasks such as set up, guest registration, and making tea and coffee.
• the experience of supporting someone living with dementia desirable but not essential.

Volunteers will be required to:

• undergo an interview
• reference and police checks (at Dementia Australia's cost).
• participate in induction and orientation sessions
• complete eLearning training
• commit to ongoing training

Morning tea is provided.

Free car parking is available.

For further details and the next steps, contact: [email protected]