PEOPLE in the community suffering from dementia and memory problems are being encouraged to take part in a memory café that runs at Okehampton College. Over the past few months the college has been striving to become 'dementia-friendly'. The school has been actively engaged with Dementia Friendly Okehampton, an initiative to raise awareness of the condition and make the town a 'dementia friendly community'. The memory cafés ran throughout the last academic year. The monthly service runs on the second Tuesday of each month in the school library, with music, activities supported by students and refreshments. College ambassadors are to attend a workshop and receive training in accordance with the Alzheimers' Association. Okehampton is one of only 21 schools and colleges across England involved in intergeneration work. From signing in visitors, to how to meet and greet visitors, the college ambassadors gain many social skills not taught within the formal curriculum. Julie Luckhurst from the college has been involved with the project. She said: 'The memory cafés are great for those dealing with dementia and for the college students as well. 'It promotes understanding of the condition, and provides students with skills and understanding, as well as promoting social skills.' The café will allow people suffering with memory conditions to socialise in a friendly and safe environment. The sessions will run from 2pm to 4pm each month. September 9 the first date in the schedule. For more information call Julie Luckhurst on 01837 650910.