Knowle & Dorridge Memory Café
Dementia support for the Solihull community
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, or living with it yourself, you’re not alone. The Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café is a friendly local group where you can pop in for a cuppa, join in with gentle activities, and chat to people who understand what you’re going through.
Speak to a care expert
- Every Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Dorridge Methodist Church, Mill Lane, Dorridge, B93 8NY
- £3 per session. No booking needed – just drop in.
“The café gives my stepfather something to look forward to – and my mum, as his full-time Carer, gets real support too. They can take part in activities together or just chat. It’s relaxed, inclusive, and has made a big difference to both of them.”
"What an informative session Jayne delivered this morning"
Thank you again for letting me attend. I know you and I will continue to do all we can to support carers and their loved ones and encourage attendance at similar events that are run locally.
Jill Bonehill, Social Prescriber
What is a memory café?
A Memory Café is a relaxed and welcoming place where people living with dementia, along with their families or Carers, can spend time together in a supportive environment. Everyone is on a similar path, so there’s no need to explain or feel out of place.
Sessions offer a chance to connect with others, take part in light-hearted activities, and enjoy the familiarity of community. Whether it’s hearing a favourite tune or joining in with a craft project, the focus is on enjoying the moment and feeling a sense of belonging.
In 2025, the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café was recognised as Solihull’s Non-Profit Champion, celebrating its positive impact and the support it offers to local families.
A local community space for people living with dementia and their families
Living with dementia can feel isolating—for both individuals and their loved ones. The Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café offers a warm, understanding environment where you can:
Enjoy music, crafts and gentle activities together
A relaxed way to have fun and feel connected.
Get friendly advice from dementia specialists
Support that’s informal, expert, and easy to access.
Meet others who understand what you’re facing
Share stories, swap tips, or simply chat over a brew.
Meet your memory café team
Our friendly coordinators and volunteers create a safe, relaxed space where people can connect, take part, and feel at home.
Lyn and Marian run the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café with care, warmth, and a huge amount of experience.
Between them, they bring heaps of nursing knowledge, a deep understanding of dementia, and a real passion for helping people feel at ease and involved.
What to expect at the Knowle & Dorridge Memory Café
Each week, we run a varied programme of activities and conversations designed to encourage connection and joy.
- Stimulating activities: Music, arts and crafts, games, and gentle movement.
- Love to Move: Developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation, this chair-based programme is specifically designed to support cognitive and physical function in older adults, including those with dementia.
- A Warm and friendly atmosphere: A space where people are treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.
We also run a Memory Café covering the Leamington Spa and Kenilworth area. If that’s closer to home, we’d love to welcome you there. It runs each Tuesday 10am-12pm at Cubbington Village Hall.
How memory cafés can help
Being socially active has real benefits for people living with dementia and those around them. Attending the café can help to:
- Boost mood and mental wellbeing
- Slow cognitive decline
- Reduce feelings of loneliness
- Build confidence and friendships
For Caregivers, it’s a chance to share stories and practical tips with others who understand.
Support from dementia specialists
We welcome regular visits from professionals who understand dementia and the challenges it can bring. These include:
- Admiral nurses
- Age UK and Alzheimer's Society representatives
- Social prescribers and other community professionals
They’re available for informal chats or more in-depth conversations, offering practical advice, emotional support, and guidance on:
- Care planning and funding
- Local memory clinics and assessments
- Counselling and support groups
“The session was thoughtfully structured and well-organised, with clear attention to detail”
It was also a great opportunity to introduce Carers Trust Solihull, share information about our services, and meet with service users. This interaction allowed us to answer questions and offer further support, enhancing the overall experience.
Carers Trust Solihull
How the Alzheimer’s Society is supporting local families
David Rees-Jones from the Alzheimer’s Society shares how they support families across Solihull and Birmingham—from home visits to signposting local services. He also talks about their work with memory cafés like ours to ensure no one feels alone after a diagnosis.
How social prescribing links people to the help they need
Jill, a local social prescriber, explains how she supports people with non-medical challenges—like loneliness, money worries, or caring responsibilities—and helps them connect with local groups, services and support that match their needs.
Get involved
Do you enjoy singing, crafting, playing an instrument, or leading a fun game session? We’re always looking for friendly volunteers to bring energy and creativity to our café. You could help by:
- Leading an activity, such as a craft, game, or musical session.
- Offering a helping hand with refreshments or setting up on the day
- Supporting guests by making them feel welcome and comfortable.
Need some extra help at home?
Our Solihull branch is based right in the heart of Knowle High Street. We offer personalised home care for older people across the area, including Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath, and beyond.
If someone you love needs support with day-to-day tasks, companionship, or dementia care at home, our local team is here to help.
Knowle & Dorridge Memory Café news & updates
Keep in touch with what our team are doing in the community—from special events to highlights from our team
Support event in Knowle for Dementia Action Week
Making Christmas Special for Elderly Loved Ones
Alzheimer’s Society | Connecting Families with the Right Dementia Support
Supporting the Community During World Alzheimer’s Month
Introducing the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café
Unique Senior Care Infection Control policy including Covid-19
4 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Care
Have You Considered Respite Care?
Taking Care in Extreme Hot Weather
How Gardening Can Enrich Your Life
Knowing When to Introduce Extra Care
Benefits of Owning a Pet in Your Older Years
Speak to our home care experts
Meet Stacey, your friendly expert care advisor
Navigating care can feel overwhelming, and we understand how personal this decision is. We're here to guide you every step of the way—offering advice, reassurance, and ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality support.
- Quick 30-minute call: We'll discuss your situation and provide expert advice on care options.
- Book a free assessment: If you're ready, we can arrange a no-obligation assessment to match your needs.
- Fast, flexible care setup: We can start care within days if necessary, ensuring your loved one receives prompt, personalised support.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
FREE assessment enquiry
Stacey or one of our team of friendly and experienced care advisors, will be in touch as soon as possible by phone or email to discuss your live in care needs.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to your questions about our memory café
Still have questions?
We're here to help you!
Page written by:
With over 40 years of experience in the care industry, providing outstanding care has always been Helena’s core mission.
Helena has been a dedicated member of Unique Senior Care for eight years, starting as Care Manager and advancing to Head of Extra Care and now serving as Director of Operations.
She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England), as well as a Diploma in Welfare Services. Helena has completed various leadership and management courses, enhancing her expertise in the care industry.
Helena has authored published articles, including one for Skills for Care on managing change through the COVID pandemic. She has a steadfast commitment to advocating for and supporting those in need, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.