FRIENDSHIP café volunteers will be reaching out next week to encourage more people to come along.

Dementia Action Week runs from May 20 to 26, and encourages people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia, creating a community where people with dementia do not feel excluded.

More than 850,000 in the UK are affected by dementia, a figure likely to grow to two million by 2051.

The Friendship café at Knutsford Methodist Church, Princess Street, welcomes people with dementia and their carers to enjoy coffee, activities and relax in the company of others who understand.

During Dementia Action Week volunteers from the Friendship café will be reaching out to the surrounding community and encouraging more people affected by dementia to enjoy the happy, comforting atmosphere of the café.

They will be visiting libraries, GP practices, physiotherapists, chemists and shops and venues to spread the word about the café.

It is nearly two years since The Friendship café first opened its doors. Originally held fortnightly, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the café has become increasingly popular and the café is now held each Friday from 10am to midday.

Mike Keoghan from Mobberley, who cares for his wife Joan and regularly attends with her, said: “It is great for the carer too. I love the company, friendliness and we look forward to it each week.”

Many people with dementia can feel lonely and relatives and friends who care for them often feel isolated too.

Those attending the café enjoy mutual support and wonderful friendships have grown.

Danny and Jim, pictured, and their wives who support them, met through the café and have developed a comforting friendship now also meeting up outside the café too.

Soon to enjoy a trip to Tatton Park, those attending have enjoyed gentle exercise to music, games, relaxing therapies, flower arranging, singing, memory boxes from Tatton Hall, baking, puzzles, decorating eggs, sharing art with local primary school children and pet therapy.

People with dementia and their carers are welcome to pop along to the Friendship Café during Dementia Action Week on Friday, May 24 between 10am and midday.

For more information on the café call Carol Cotton at Knutsford Methodist Church on 01565 652251.