Alzheimer CaféIsle of Wight
A warm, welcoming space for anyone affected by memory loss or dementia. Join us for support, friendship, and understanding.
An independent, Isle of Wight based charity with monthly cafés in Cowes, East Cowes, Newport, Sandown and Totland
What We Offer
A safe harbour for anyone touched by dementia or memory loss. Find community, knowledge, and comfort with us.
What is an Alzheimer Café?
Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight welcomes anyone affected by memory loss or dementia — individuals before and after receiving a diagnosis, families, carers, and healthcare professionals.
Our cafés offer a friendly and welcoming environment where people can chat, share stories, make friends, and relax knowing everyone there is 'in the same boat.'
Join us for informal education about dementia, guidance and signposting to other services, and the comfort of a caring community.
Get in Touch
Why Join an Alzheimer Café?
- Safe, non-judgmental space to share
- Connect with others facing similar challenges
- Access expert information and guidance
- Reduce isolation and build friendships
- Find support in understanding dementia
"Without the Alzheimer Café I would have felt much more alone in navigating my mother's journey through dementia."
— Rebecca
"Coming to the cafés was a great help to us. It gave us the understanding that we weren't alone."
— Tony
"Without the Alzheimer Café I wouldn't have a direction to go forward. They have been like an arm around my shoulder."
— Lin
Looking for information about Parklands Dementia Resource Centre?
Visit Parklands WebsiteMeet the Team
Dedicated professionals committed to supporting our community
Maggie Bennett
CEO
Leading Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight with passion and vision, driving the organisation's mission to support people living with dementia across the Island.
Donna White
Executive Manager at Parklands
Executive Manager overseeing the daily operations of Parklands Dementia Resource Centre, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all visitors.
Anna Roberts
Charity Liaison Officer
Connecting our charity with the community and external partners, ensuring effective collaboration and support for those affected by dementia.
Liz Pearson
Chair of Trustees
Retired nurse after 50 years of practise. She has worked in hospitals, care homes and a hospice. Liz has both personal and professional experience of caring for people with dementia.
Paulette Thompson
Trustee & Café Coordinator
Career in care from community work to training manager for private nursing homes. Passionate about supporting people with dementia and has been coordinating cafés since 2012.
Jane Blackmore
Trustee & Volunteer
30 years in banking and finance, then transitioned to care administration. Personal experience as a carer and volunteer at Parklands and Totland Café.
Lesley Kirk
Trustee & Treasurer
Retired from finance and accounting. Involved with Alzheimer Café since 2016, served as Chair of Trustees and is instrumental in Parklands administration.
Viv Bennett
Trustee
Former Chief Public Health Nurse for England. CBE award recipient with expertise in health services, nursing leadership and community wellbeing. Special interest in population health and prevention.
Ian Bennett
Trustee
Ian Bennett is Managing Director of Island Healthcare, a dementia-specialist care provider on the Isle of Wight, and Co-Chair of the Isle of Wight Care Partnership. He brings board-level experience in governance, strategy and system collaboration, alongside a longstanding commitment to community-based support for people affected by dementia.
Barry Jackman
Volunteer & Educator
Passionate volunteer and dementia awareness trainer who joined after his wife was diagnosed with dementia. Through the Dementia Awareness Partnership, Barry provides education and support across the Island, helping families navigate their dementia journey with understanding and hope.
Anna Bennett
Marketing Officer
Marketing Officer managing the charity's communications and outreach, and coordinating training bookings to ensure our dementia awareness programs reach those who need them most.
Support Our Mission
Our charity can only continue to grow and support more people with dementia, their families and carers, with your generous support. Every donation makes a difference.