Topsham Memory Cafe receives vital boost from McCarthy Stone Foundation

The McCarthy Stone Foundation has given the Estuary League of Friends in Topsham a welcome boost with a £250 grant to help support those living with memory loss or dementia and their carers.

Founded in 1987, the Estuary League of Friends is a local charity which provides care and support to those in need in around the Topsham area. The charity offers a variety of services, including home help for those living independently, assisted transport, grocery and prescription deliveries, meals on wheels, and telephone befriending. The charity also runs a local community hub which comprises of a Memory Café, library, and other essential services such a post office.

The £250 grant from the McCarthy Stone Foundation will go towards the running of the Memory Café. The Café, known locally as the Friendship Group, which is a fortnightly support group for those living with memory loss or dementia.  It offers visitors the chance to socialise with friends over lunch, while also taking part in a range of memory focused activities. The Café also provides respite for carers.

Rachel Gilpin, Chief Executive at the Estuary League of Friends, said: “Our Memory Café offers a vital support network for those living with memory loss and dementia in the Topsham area, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as foster friendships. The donation from the McCarthy Stone Foundation will help fund the general day-to-day running of the Café, which is an important resource for this vulnerable group and their carers who look after them.”

The McCarthy Stone Foundation is the independent, registered charity of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, which has a development in Topsham, Pym Court on Exeter Road. It aims to build long-term partnerships with charities and organisations who support the wellbeing of older people, the educational needs of young people and the urban regeneration of communities by providing much-needed financial grants, volunteers, and other resources.

Graeme Marsh, Foundation Manager at the McCarthy Stone Foundation, said: “The Estuary League of Friends is an important pillar of the Topsham community. Its support for older people, those living with dementia and their carers is absolutely vital, and we’re delighted to support the brilliant efforts of the charity and their Memory Café initiative.”

Those interested in finding out more about the McCarthy Stone Foundation are invited to visit https://mccarthyandstonefoundation.org.