Patients and their loved ones are now able to access additional support, social interaction and activities at the café.

They can also enjoy traditional afternoon tea and hot drinks, supplied by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s catering department.

The café will be held on the Sister Dora Suite every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm, providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for inpatients.

Stacy Jordan, Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Complex Dementia and Delirium Team, said: “The café is designed to reduce isolation, enhance wellbeing and provide opportunities for patients and carers to share experiences and build supportive connections.

“This approach will also help reduce frustration and deconditioning through activities and positive stimulation, supporting the principles of the Trust’s Eat Drink Dress Move to Improve initiative.”

The scheme is delivered through a partnership with collaboration between Walsall Manor Hospital staff, the Catering Team, GreenSquareAccord (GSA), and the Trust’s Well Wishers charity.

The fourth Wednesday of each month will feature a dedicated Family and Carer Drop-in Dementia Café, offering additional support, advice and signposting for carers through a Dementia Carers Together approach.

Stacy added: “Living with dementia can be challenging, both for patients and for those who care for them.

“Our new dementia café will provide a welcoming space where people can connect with others, access support and enjoy meaningful activities together.

“By working alongside our partners at GreenSquareAccord, Well Wishers and the Catering Team, we hope to create positive experiences that support wellbeing and help reduce feelings of isolation.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “Hospital can be an unfamiliar and overwhelming environment for patients living with dementia and their families.

“These sessions will provide a warm, welcoming space where patients and loved ones can spend quality time together and enjoy activities away from the ward environment.”