A new initiative called Memory Lane Café is set to launch at the Victoria Pride Centre in September. The café aims to create a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community living with dementia. The project is a collaboration between Dementia Australia, Lifeview, and the Victoria Pride Centre, with the goal of addressing social stigma and isolation experienced by individuals with dementia and memory impairment.
The Memory Lane Café will provide a relaxed and casual environment for queer individuals living with dementia and their caregivers to visit. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and entertainment while socializing with others in the community. The café aims to bridge the gap of social isolation faced by individuals living with dementia in LGBTIQ+ communities.
Justine Dalla Riva, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre, acknowledges the importance of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for people with dementia. She says, We’re proud to collaborate with Dementia Australia and Lifeview on a project that addresses the barriers LGBTIQ+ individuals face when accessing mainstream spaces and bridges the gap of social isolation for those living with dementia in LGBTIQ+ communities.
Anne Tudor, a dementia advocate and the 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year, expressed her excitement about the project. She believes that the Memory Lane Café will bring comfort to members of the LGBTIQ+ community, both young and old. Tudor adds, It will provide much comfort for members of our community, young and old, to know the Café will be supported by kindred spirits at our Pride Centre.
The initiative has also received support from Dementia Australia national patron Ita Buttrose, who commends the creation of safe and inclusive social environments for individuals impacted by dementia. Buttrose describes the café as a relaxing and fun venue that will help foster meaningful connections within the community.
Samantha Jewell, CEO of Lifeview, expressed her excitement for the initiative as well. She believes that this collaboration between the residential aged care group and the Victorian Pride Centre has been a long-awaited vision. Jewell welcomes people living with dementia and their support persons to join them on this journey.
The Memory Lane Café is expected to open its doors in September. While the event will be free for attendees, bookings will be required in advance. To find out more about the café and register your interest, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500 or email [email protected]
The launch of the Memory Lane Café signifies a crucial step towards creating inclusive spaces for queer individuals living with dementia. The initiative aims to tackle social stigma and provide a supportive environment where people can socialize and build connections. By collaborating with various organizations, the café hopes to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals accessing mainstream spaces. With its focus on fostering meaningful connections, the Memory Lane Café is poised to become a valuable resource for the community.
