The popular monthly café for people with dementia and their carers is back in Point. Alzheimer's Scotland have piloted a number of Forget me Not Cafes across communities in the Western Isles, starting with the regular sessions in Point in May 2024 which was supported by community wind farm, Point and Sandwick Trust.
With live music from different performers, familiar songs, friendly faces and a hot drink, the monthly sessions have proven very popular. Catriona Macritchie, Commissioned Service Lead for Alzheimer's Scotland commented, “The café has gone from strength to strength with numbers growing each month, so much so that we outgrew our initial base in Café an Roo earlier this year and have now moved to Ionad Stoodie which can seat more than 60 people”.
The regular meet-ups are primarily for people living with dementia and their carers, but welcomes everyone, as part of Alzheimer's Scotland’s aim to build dementia friendly communities. Dementia describes a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with planning, problem-solving or language and sometimes changes in mood and behaviour. It’s not a just about losing your memory and it’s not a normal part of aging, it is caused by diseases which lead to changes to the structure and chemistry of the brain.
“We are delighted to receive a further £1,000 donation from Point and Sandwick Trust which will ensure the continuation of this important regular event in the Point and Sandwick area. We are also indebted to the support of all our wonderful musicians (past and present) who give their time so willingly to support this event each month. Community Outreach work is an important part of our work at Alzheimer's Scotland in Stornoway, and we want to make sure that everyone knows about our local service and that no one faces dementia alone. We hope to continue to work with Point and Sandwick Trust to develop new projects in the New Year based on the results of our community survey”.
General Manager at PST, Donald John MacSween added, “It’s always a great afternoon and we’d encourage anyone who is struggling with memory problems, those diagnosed with dementia, their carers and family to go along. To make travel a bit easier, we’d also like to offer transportation so get in touch with us on 619 470 if you need accessible transport and we’ll do our best to help. Point and Sandwick Trust exists to support initiatives like this that make real positive change for people in our local area so we are very happy to make another grant to continue Alzheimer's Scotland great work.”
The next Forget me not Café is the Christmas special on Wednesday 17th of December from 2 - 4pm where Chrisann Macdonald and friends will be joined by special guest, Costello, at Ionad Stoodie.
Photos by SandiePhotos
Top: Café attendees, volunteers and performers with DJ MacSween of PST, Catriona MacRitchie and Angela Macleod of Alzheimer's Scotland.
Middle: Chrisann Macdonald and friends performing at the Point Forget me not Cafe in Ionad Stoodie, Nov 2025.
Click to read this article in Gaelic.