Special visitors for this months Dementia Café

There is always something special about our visits to the Milner House Dementia Café, which takes place on the first Friday of every month.

It is such a warm, welcoming environment and a wonderful opportunity to get out, enjoy some fabulous food, tea and coffee, and—most importantly—spend time chatting with others. We love meeting individuals living with dementia, as well as their family members, friends and carers. There is something incredibly valuable about being able to sit together, share experiences, have a laugh and simply enjoy the company of like-minded people.

This month’s café was made even more special by a visit from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service team based in Leatherhead.

The team were an absolute delight, and we would like to say a very special thank you to Ian for organising the visit and coming along to speak with everyone.

The session was both interesting and incredibly important. We heard about the practical steps we can all take to stay safer in our own homes, including the importance of having working smoke alarms and making sure they are positioned in the right places.

The team also spoke about keeping our homes easy to move around, maintaining clear and accessible escape routes, and considering the different safety features that can help protect us at home. They shared practical advice about electrical and fire safety, including being mindful of plug sockets, appliances and technology around the home.

What really stood out was that their support didn't end when the talk finished. The team took the names and addresses of those attending who would like further support, so that they can visit their homes and check important safety features, including fire alarms, plug sockets and technology.

For people living with dementia and their families, this kind of practical, accessible advice can make a real difference. Small changes around the home can help create a safer environment and provide additional reassurance for everyone.

It feels particularly important at this time of year. With the current hot weather, there are different risks to consider, and before we know it, we will be heading into the colder winter months when heaters, electrical appliances and darker evenings bring their own considerations.