Chemics Café is a huge success

Past and present stars of Widnes Vikings came together to support people living at our care homes, and the local community, who live with dementia at the Chemics Cafe.

The Cafe is a unique free monthly event that is delivered in partnership with the Rugby League Club.

February’s session saw former Widnes stars, George Nicholls, Ray Dutton, Tommy Rimmer and Joe Argent, share their memories of the game. They were joined by current first teamer, Jordan Johnston, who told guests about life in the modern Super League.

To mark National Storytelling Week, the event focussed on guests sharing their favourite memories of the club. To support this, a host of memorabilia, photographs and trophies from the Vikings history filled the room, to promote reminiscence.

BBC Radio Merseyside attended the event, broadcasting it on their Breakfast Show.

Sessions are led by our charity’s specialist dementia team along with the Vikings Sports Foundation. The Cafe aims to support people who live with dementia and their loved ones, by giving them practical advice as well opportunities to socialise, have fun and reminisce about special Widnes Vikings moments.

Paula Spence, Community Integrated Care’s Director of Older People’s Services, says: “It’s been brilliant working in partnership with Widnes Vikings to create the Chemics Cafe. Dementia affects so many of us, so it is really important that our support group is open to the whole community and not just people living in our care homes.”

She continues, “It’s fantastic to see how it always brings a smile to people’s faces! It really makes a difference to the lives of people living with dementia – and their loved ones – by coming together, having fun, receiving excellent advice and making new friends.”

Jordan Johnstone says: “It’s been really nice to come along and meet everyone at Chemics Café. To hear all the stories and understand people’s connection with Widnes Vikings was brilliant. It’s really important that programmes like this happen.”

Dan Scott, Education Partnerships Manager at Widnes Vikings says: “Once again, this month’s Chemics Café was a huge success. I would like to firstly thank George Nicholls for organising the ex-Widnes players who came along to the event. It always creates a real buzz when guests meet their Widnes heroes. I’m proud that the Cafe is making a massive difference, helping people gain support and enjoy happy times.”

The Chemics Cafe is free and open to all. Sessions take place on the first Wednesday of every month, from 11am-12.30pm. Find out more: https://www.c-i-c.co.uk/chemicscafe