Buddies Dementia Cafe was started in 2017 by Lulu Wood, Chris Dawkins and June Gauke. The idea for the group came from personal experience of looking after someone living with dementia. For the carer this means adjusting to a totally new way of life centred around the person with dementia, not an easy task.
With a clear vision and an underlying ethos of fun, laughter and friendship, Buddies has gone from strength to strength. At our meetings, we always have live entertainment, a singer or small band who provides us with songs, chosen particularly suited to our membership. Music plays a huge part in our lives, and people living with dementia may find music a powerful way to connect with memories, create positive feelings and encourage social interaction.
At our meetings we have helpful booklets, leaflets, aids and information as well as visits from Age UK and other agencies to give advice.
We organise trips out to a variety of local attractions, lunches and special in-house parties. After our first meeting of the month, you can take part in the Buddies Sensory stroll around the parks nearby which helps to increase energy levels, mood and cognition.
Thinking of joining us? One of our members said “What a brilliant morning at Buddies, seeing everyone singing, laughing and talking, better than any doctor’s medicine”.
So come along and try it for yourself! If you want further information please contact us via email, on our website, or speak to Lulu on 01522 754288 or 0796 3365957
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide help and support to those living with dementia and their carers.
Buddies Dementia Café will provide a safe, secure and friendly environment where our members can relax, have fun and enjoy stimulating activities.
We are a registered charity (No. 1184074) with the Charities Commission for England & Wales
Our Trustees
 | Lulu Wood One of the founders of Buddies Dementia Café. With over 30 years of experience of working in the volunteering sector , WRVS, Magistrate, Overseas with expats, Witness Care and Community Hub. |
 | June Gauke One of the founder members of Buddies Dementia Café. Retired Company Director. 14 years as a volunteer at a Special Needs School and was also a governor for some of that time. Was a Trustee of Lincolnshire Mediation for a number of years. A fund raiser for Linkage and the Boultham Park Appeal. Vice President of the Lincoln Stroke Association. Member of Lincoln Colonia Rotary Club. |
 | Maggie Norris My career has mostly been concerned with the law: probate and conveyancing for a firm of Solicitors and then as a civilian officer with Lincolnshire Police. I worked in a variety of roles in C.I.D. Training and Operations, retiring as Principal Assistant to the Chief Constable. I have also worked for the National Health Service and enjoyed my time too as a volunteer on general ward duties at Lincoln County Hospital. Latterly I was a volunteer at Nettleham Library, before joining the Buddies team. |
 | Maureen Sullivan For over 20 years, I worked as Head of English in a North Lincolnshire Secondary School, a career which I found extremely rewarding. However, I decided to retire 3 years ago to pursue other interests and hobbies; I also wanted to meet new people and become more involved in our local community. This led me to become interested in the work at Buddies Dementia Cafe and I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with everyone there. |