Making space for dementia support in Rotherham

3rd November 2025

If you spend your days caring for someone with memory problems, confusion, or dementia, you know how much love, patience, and strength it takes.

But you also know how easy it is to forget about yourself, especially at this time of year when everything feels busier and the world seems to be celebrating around you.

This winter, why not take an afternoon away from your caring responsibilities with a visit to Rotherham Dementia Carers Support’s free dementia cafés.

Funded by the charity, Making Space, these welcoming monthly meetups are a place to relax, chat, and feel supported by others who truly understand what you’re going through.

They’re open to unpaid carers and their loved ones, and there doesn’t need to be an official dementia diagnosis. It could be that you care for your parents, partner or grandparents who are becoming more forgetful or confused.

The dementia cafes are held in six community venues across the Rotherham borough, including Brampton Bierlow, Brinsworth, Dalton, Maltby, Thurcroft and Whiston.

Each venues runs a monthly café with free refreshments, craft activities, and live entertainment. So whether you want to sit and do some seasonal crafts or get up for a dance and sing-song, you’ll be greeted with warmth, kindness, and a good cup of tea.

Volunteers and support staff will be on hand if you’d like advice, a listening ear, or information about other local services that can help lighten your load.

Many of the team have lived experience of dementia and have used the service personally. Some volunteers used to come with their partners before they passed away, while staff member Diane brought her mum to the dementia cafes.

“My dad used to bring Mum before he passed away in 2020 and it was the highlight of her week. She had mixed dementia – vascular and Alzheimer’s – but she was still such a social butterfly.

“My sister and I wanted to help her keep socialising and we saw from there how important this free service was to both those living with dementia and the family members caring for them.”

As well as the warm and welcoming dementia cafés, the Rotherham Dementia Carers Support team also organises outings and social events.

This year they have been to Cleethorpes, had an autumn walk around Clifton Park, and a Halloween party. Over Christmas, they are hosting a festive party and also taking members to see the panto at Rotherham Civic.

Anyone interested in visiting can just turn up on the day. Or for more information, call the team on 01709 910 889 or email RotherhamCarers@makingspace.co.uk