The doors of the new ‘Forget me Not’ dementia cafe at the YMCA building on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre are re-opening tomorrow (Wednesday 7th January 2026) at 10.30am.
The cafe is open to those suffering from dementia and their carers, many of whom are family members or friends.
The Dementia Cafe 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.
Jenny and Steve said:
“We were delighted by the response to the cafe opening in December, and are looking forward to welcoming our new friends back again every Wednesday in January (10.30am-12.30pm).
“We have had great feedback, both from people living with dementia, and their carers.
“They have told us about feeling optimistic about having a place to go to in Southport that understands the challenges they are facing. About feeling relaxed at the cafe and in our company, and about the value of meeting people in similar circumstances.
“The cafe is also working with local care homes to consider how we can offer the benefits of the cafe to their residents, so they too can enjoy the friendly, warm atmosphere. We ask care homes to contact us to discuss.”
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 supporting and Sainsbury’s has donated refreshments.
Southport ASDA added some festive sparkle last month by kindly donating a 9ft tall Christmas tree.
The Print Quarter printed some leaflets for the Dementia Cafe, which have been distributed to local GP surgeries and other venues to raise awareness and let families know that it is opening and will soon be available.
Jenny and Steve said:
“We would like to thank all businesses, most of which are on Hoghton Street, for their support in opening the cafe. We are delighted to be able to welcome many of those business representatives to visit the cafe on Wednesday 14th January at 12.30pm.
“If any other local businesses or partners are interested in visiting the cafe, please do contact us and you will be welcomed on 14th January.
“The cafe is run by volunteers and we are so grateful to all of those that have offered their support.
“We are excited to develop the cafe experience in 2026 by considering further entertainment options.
“Guests have enjoyed live singing which will continue this year. We also hope to refurbish our toilet facilities.
“Any companies that can help are also asked to get in touch.”
- For more details please email Steve Haworth at: steve@southportcommunitysports.co.uk
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