Serving Those Affected by Dementia at Lichfield Cathedral

This year Lichfield announced its efforts to become a dementia-friendly space and this work continues. Earlier this month fifty members of Wolverhampton Alzheimer Café enjoyed a dementia-friendly tour of Lichfield Cathedral.

The group consisted of people living with dementia, their carers/spouses, and volunteers – some of whom used to care for some-one with dementia.

In order to give the visitors the best experience the Cathedral’s expert guides took four groups around a tour of the architecture, history and artefacts. There was extra time and places to sit, allowing for periods of rest during the tour. Many said how relaxing and calming it was in the building.

Julie Grainger from the Wolverhampton Alzheimer Café said: “It was great to have 4 smaller groups and plenty of places for people to sit during the tour. When I booked the outing, not having done one like it before, I was obviously a little apprehensive about how it would be received – I needn’t have worried at all as from the feedback we’ve received it was clearly a success and I would be happy to recommend it to any dementia group.”

David Primrose, Canon Treasurer at Lichfield Cathedral said: “We’re on a journey together to become a dementia-friendly cathedral, planning now for a special dementia friendly service on Wednesday morning, 4th January. We are delighted that this group found a place of peace that would help stimulate their minds but also give them rest. We hope many more dementia groups feel they are able to come to the Cathedral and feel welcomed and cared for.”

Groups interested in a Dementia-friendly visit to the Cathedral can get in touch with David Primrose: David.primrose@lichfield-cathedral.org to find out more.