About Us
Downham Dementia is a charitable organisation founded in 2021 designed to help those living with dementia and their carers to live better lives through safe and supportive friendship.
We run five cafes each month, three in the morning and two in the afternoon. All our cafes are held in the Methodist Church premises in Paradise Road. We play games, have craft activities, invite complementary therapists and other agencies to support carers. We have regular outings and meals to celebrate Christmas and our Birthday which falls in October. We give practical and emotional support and advice.
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Our carers have asked us to provide short periods of respite so that they can leave their homes for a couple of hours once a fortnight. This has led to an introduction of a sitting service which is in its infancy, but which we hope will grow in the same way our cafes have.
Trustees
Joan Alfred
Chairman and Trustee
My name is Joan and I am a retired teacher who has lived in Downham Market for 15 years. I have been involved with Downham Dementia since the very beginning in 2014 and have been Chairman for most of that time. My interest in dementia stems from caring for my Mum who lived with dementia for 14 years and supporting other family members who lived with the condition.
I am proud of what we have already achieved and so grateful to our team of dedicated volunteers for all that they do. I am looking forward to the growth of our charity, to more community involvement and to providing more support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Jacqueline Westrop
Trustee
November 1956 – February 2025
Jackie was a retired probation Officer who supported a number of Charities
within our town. She was a great ambassador for the less able and those
marginalised by society and fought hard to get them their entitlements.
She joined Downham Dementia in 2015 as Committee Secretary and later
became Grant fund-raiser, Safeguarding advisor and Trainer. She became a
trustee in 2021 when Downham Dementia was granted Charity status.
Jackie had a wealth of knowledge and experience on safeguarding which she
has shared freely with us. She was also very successful in securing grant
funding over a number of years.
We owe her a great debt of gratitude and we will miss her enormously.
Richard Ehlers
Trustee
September 1934 - February 2023
Richard Ehlers was a respected and active member of the Downham Market community
who was responsible for many of the positive changes the town saw during his life time. Amongst which, was being one of a small group of people who founded Downham Dementia. He was Vice Chair and a committed volunteer supporting and encouraging his colleagues and service users to be the best version of themselves. He will be greatly missed.
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Janet Pike
Trustee
My name is Janet Pike and I am a retired primary school teacher. I live in West Lynn but found the Downham Dementia café about 5 years ago, when my husband was diagnosed with dementia. Here we discovered a place where friendship, understanding and support were so freely given by all involved.
Even though my husband died 3 years ago, I continue to come to the café regularly as it became a big part of our lives and holds good memories for me.
I am now pleased to be able to offer my time as a Trustee of the charity as it grows to provide support for more people, living with dementia,in the community.