A CAFÉ for dementia sufferers and their carers which closed for building works is back up and running in Leftwich.  

The Oasis drop-in café, open every Monday at the new Emmanuel Church on Old Hall Road, provides a sanctuary where dementia suffers and those who help them can get to know one another in a relaxed and judgement-free environment.

Oasis predates the new church but had to have a break for 18 months during the building works, and since reopening in September 2023, has struggled building back the numbers.

Church member and Oasis volunteer, Andy Garnett, thinks this is a great shame as the new church was designed to be a community space, and even has its own café called the Olive Branch, which is Oasis’ new home.

Andy says members find all sorts of benefit, including companionship, fun, and a place where they can just be themselves and relax

He said: “It can be hard work looking after an adult who’s become dependent, and a lot of people living with dementia and their carers, who are often close relatives, end up living quite sheltered lives.

“That can be frustrating for them, especially if they’ve lived active lives in the past.

“Being able to provide them with a safe space in the community allows them to get out and about.

“If they do it regularly, the familiarity provides comfort to them, as their condition means they can come to depend heavily on routine.

“After a few visits, they start to get comfortable and relax. They talk to fellow members, and to volunteers, and they’re really happy to come.

“And because they’re happy, their carers are happy as well, and they too can share advice and experience.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere because people are content. There’s no anxiety about unfamiliarity, or people staring at them and making them feel comfortable.

“It provides – as the name suggests – a bit of an oasis in their lives where they can get out of the house while feeling safe and loved.”   

Oasis takes place at Emmanuel Church every Monday, between 10.30am and midday, and it completely free to attend.  

Andy added: “We really want to serve the community, and Oasis is just one of the things we do.”

“We could do with more people there. We’ve got a lot of volunteers, but since reopening, we haven’t got the same numbers coming as before.

“It’s sad, because we have great facilities now, but not the numbers using it. We’re just trying to get the word out.”