A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY café near York was hailed by the Alzheimers Society today as it was revealed that fewer than half of UK dementia sufferers feel part of the community.

A report by the charity, Building Dementia Friendly Communities: A Priority for Everyone, also claimed that nearly three-quarters of UK adults surveyed did not think society was geared up to deal with the condition.

It said many people with dementia reported feeling trapped in their own homes and let down by their communities, with one in three only getting out once a week and one in ten only managing this once a month.

The charity called on more neighbourhoods to take action to become a Dementia Friendly Community, to help reduce the stigma surrounding the disease and support and improve the lives of people with it.

A spokeswoman said City of York Council was gearing up to make the city dementia-friendly and the Aroma Coffee Shop in Haxby had been working towards this for more than a year.

“Run as a charity by the Methodist church, the café has taken many steps to make it a welcoming place for people with dementia and their carers,” she said.

Café volunteer Corinne Brown said: ‘’We noticed that many of our customers were affected by dementia, yet few of us knew much about the disease.

“We set out to support and encourage carers, but soon realised that we could play a part in raising awareness locally.

“We now offer a regular carers’ support group, and dementia awareness sessions for staff and other community groups. We also hope to improve information about local resources for those living with dementia.

“Our local community is very welcoming, but we want to make sure that those with dementia feel safe, understood, and continue to be able to do the ordinary things they have always done.’’