Romford’s dementia cafe is one of more than 250 in the UK, the concept having mushroomed since the first opened in Farnborough, Hampshire in 2000. The idea came from clinical psychologist Dr Bère Miesen and was pioneered in the Netherlands.

Miesen wanted to create a welcoming, relaxed setting where people could share their fears and concerns about dementia and receive help and support. The dementia café model has a specific structure, with an annual programme of themed topics covering a journey through dementia, and focusing on the emotional aspects of living with the illness.

To find out more about the Romford Cafe read the story on the Guardian website.