Southport BID feature by Stand Up For Southport
A new café which has opened to support people with dementia and their families is inviting everyone to its final session of the year this week.
The Forget Me Not Café opened its doors at YMCA Southport on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre on 3rd December after huge support from local businesses.
Its opening has been warmly welcomed by the community.
The final event of the year takes place 10.30am-12.30pm this Wednesday (17th December 2025), all welcome.
The dementia café is the brainchild of CEO of Southport Community Sports Steve Haworth and volunteer Jenny Bowles.
Steve took over running what was the YMCA community centre nine years ago and set up Southport Community Sports three years ago.
Like so many, Steve and Jenny have experienced family members who have been affected by dementia. In Steve’s case it was uncle, and with Jenny, her father.
They want to use the facilities available within the community centre to offer a warm space and friendship to those that suffer directly from the disease and their carers.
They said: “The café opened its doors again last week nd we were delighted to welcome returning customers, who are now quickly becoming friends.
“Along with mince pies, sweet treats and endless tea and coffee, guests enjoyed wonderful, festive live singing. Rachel Rose sang golden oldies, Christmas classics and even took requests from guests.
“Since opening day earlier this month, we have been contacted by local care homes who are keen to support our work, recognising the significant local need, both for people with dementia, and their carers, for somewhere to go in our town that understands, welcomes and offers support and a relaxed, even fun environment.
“The last café opening date before Christmas will be Wednesday 17th December2025 with doors open from 10.30am-12.30pm.
“After Christmas we will share opening times on social media. We look forward to welcoming guests again this week.”
The Forget Me Not Café is also looking to make some further changes in the new year.
Jenny and Steve said: “The dementia café is hoping to replace its existing toilets in 2026.
“If any bathroom companies or plumbers can offer any support please contact us at: Steve@southportcommunitysports.co.uk”
Businesses on and around Hoghton Street have supported the initiative as part of a ‘Hoghton Street Cares’ campaign run by Southport Community Sports.
Stokers, Fletchers solicitors, Birkdale Insurance, Harrison Drury, Napthens, The Print Quarter, British Heart Foundation, Waterstones, Dunelm, Dobbies and Stubbs Parkin are all backing them while Sainsbury’s has donated refreshments.
Southport ASDA has added some festive sparkle by donating a 9ft tall Christmas tree.
The Print Quarter has printed some leaflets for the Dementia Cafe, which will be distributed to local GP surgeries and other venues to raise awareness and let families know that it is opening and will soon be available.
Steve and Jenny said: “We have converted a room in the centre to make it a homely, living room space with old memorabilia, music and activities.
“There is a huge need for somewhere like this in Southport.
“People are welcome to come for a quick hot drink and stay for 20 minutes or spend the whole two hours with us. Drinks and cakes will be available.
“Just turn up, we’d love to see you. We will see how things go – a booking system may be necessary if the cafe gets very busy. We may also extend the opening hours if we need to.
“We are keen to seek the views of people coming about what they would like to see in the cafe, we will be very much guided by them.
“We have both had family members with dementia so we understand the challenges that people face.
“YMCA Southport is the perfect place to open this cafe. It’s a real community hub and it’s centrally located, so easy to get to for people.
“The cafe is accessible too, with a ramp and an accessible toilet both available.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had from local businesses, including from our neighbours here on Hoghton Street.
“We are still appealing for support, both financial and ‘in kind’ so we can maintain the cafe and extend its hours to meet what we know is significant local demand.”
- For further information about the Dementia Cafe, or to make a donation, please call 01704 538317 or email: Steve@southportcommunitysports.co.uk or call into YMCA Southport
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