Community Bank supports expansion of dementia cafés

Umbrella Dementia Cafés was founded in 2016 to empower people living with dementia by improving social connection and well-being. They bring people together in volunteer-supported social groups (cafés). Based in local community houses, churches or lifestyle clubs, they provide relief, fun, conversation and shared experiences.

Umbrella Dementia Cafés run across the Whitehorse Municipality in Victoria. They also support other groups across Australia who are influenced by their model.

According to Kirsty Porter, CEO of Umbrella Dementia Cafes, there is a need to expand their reach and impact beyond council borders into a national network.

The more dementia cafés in Australia, the greater the opportunity for people with dementia to feel supported, share their stories, mobilise help, and decrease chronic loneliness and isolation,” she said.

Whilst the café model is proven, the vision of national expansion requires careful planning and testing to ensure its success and sustainability.

It’s why the organisation has developed a three-year plan. It will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study in the first 12 months to assess the expansion opportunities and develop a framework for a smooth and successful expansion. In the second year it will focus on proving the concept’s effectiveness and implement local and national expansion. A third year is dedicated to achieving sustainable growth and impact. This will include attracting investors and funding partners.

Community Bank Blackburn South recognised the project’s potential to significantly enhance the lives of people living with dementia in the local area and beyond, and the opportunity for it to contribute to a more connected, inclusive and supportive community. They have part funded the project over the three year period.

Director Stuart Burdack said that the Dementia Café project fits perfectly with their objective to empower locally-based organisations to scale their impact, and support communities in the local community.

It addresses two of our five strategic priorities, Social Cohesion and Community Resilience,” he said.

Apply for community investment funding with Community Bank Blackburn South.