A warm welcome at Oxted Memory Café
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring people together — a cup of tea, a slice of homemade cake, a game of dominoes and someone to have a chat with.
What really stood out wasn’t any one activity.
It was the atmosphere.
Last Monday, Angie and Chon from East Surrey Community Connections had the lovely opportunity to visit the Memory Café at the Park Hub in Master Park, Oxted.
Run by Head2Head Sensory Theatre (H2H), the weekly café offers a welcoming and supportive space for people living with dementia or memory loss, their carers and anyone who would enjoy some friendly company.
From the moment we arrived, there was a cheerful buzz of conversation, music and games.
Fiona and her wonderful team of volunteers have created a space where people can relax, feel comfortable and get to know others. For those who come regularly, it’s also an opportunity to build friendships and feel part of a familiar community — while carers can enjoy the company and a little breathing space too. Fiona had plenty of lovely success stories to share too — from people growing in confidence to new friendships forming and regulars finding a real sense of belonging at the café.
And there was plenty going on.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring people together.
Alongside time simply to sit and chat, there were specially designed jigsaws featuring nostalgic scenes, with questions to help spark memories and conversation.
Jim kept the dominoes table lively with plenty of good humour, while later there was a music quiz which turned out to be considerably harder than it sounded — name the song and the artist. We won’t be publishing our scores. There was even a tense little tie-breaker, with Sue first to the right answer and rewarded with a jar of jam.
The café had that lovely mix of warmth, laughter and community.
Refreshments were very well taken care of too, with plenty of tea and coffee and a generous selection of homemade cakes courtesy of star baker Linda.
What really stood out, though, wasn’t any one activity. It was the atmosphere.
There was no pressure to join in or do anything in particular. People could take part, have a conversation, watch what was happening or simply enjoy being around other people. That relaxed approach is very much part of H2H’s Memory Café, which describes itself as a place to connect, chat and enjoy gentle weekly activities.
A cup of tea, a slice of cake and someone to have a chat with can make all the difference
For people living with memory loss, and for the family members and carers alongside them, spaces like this can provide something enormously important: connection, familiarity, friendship and the chance to spend time with people who understand.
A huge thank you to Fiona, the volunteers and everyone at the Memory Café for making Angie and Chon so welcome.
We came away smiling — and with a renewed appreciation for the lovely community connections being created right here in Oxted.
Find out more
The H2H Memory Café at Master Park takes place every Monday from 2pm–4pm, upstairs at The Park Hub, Master Park, Oxted, RH8 9LD.
It costs £5 per person – with payment made easy thanks to their whizzy portable card machine – and includes hot drinks, homemade cakes and a changing programme of friendly activities.
There is on-site parking, lift access and an accessible toilet, all within the Hub’s lovely new, thoughtfully designed surroundings.
H2H also runs a second Memory Café at its Barn Hub every Wednesday from 10.30am–12.30pm.
For more information, visit H2H Memory Café or call 01883 725 264.
Buy thoughtfully-designed jigsaws from Alzheimer’s Society
Article by Chon
