PEOPLE in the community suffering from dementia and memory problems are being encouraged to take part in sessions at Okehampton's memory cafés.

The town has two memory cafés — the 'Forget Me Not' café and the Memory Café at Okehampton College.

The college memory café has been running since May 2013. The monthly service runs on the second Tuesday of each month in the Growing our Future hut on the college site, with music and activities supported by students and refreshments. College ambassadors attend a workshop and receive training in accordance with the Alzheimers' Association.

The cafe runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and is free. For more information call Okehampton College.

The Forget Me Not café for both people with memory problems and their carers meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at The Glen on Castle Road. It is a social group and does not have activities. People with memory problems and their carers can go along and relax with others in a similar situation.  There are refreshments and a therapist who does shoulder massage for any participants who would like that.  The group also has various professionals who visit and listen to members while also offering help and support.

Carers are welcome to come along either with or without the person that they care for and there is no cut off point for that, as they are welcome to keep coming after the person that they care for passes away or has to go into a home if they wish to do so.

There is no charge for the café, refreshments or therapist.