Creating a Safe Space for Conversation, Understanding and Support
In 2026, Positive Network Community Project continued its important work of bringing people together to talk openly about dementia, health and wellbeing through its Dementia Café.
The Dementia Café provides a welcoming and culturally respectful environment where members of the community can ask questions, share experiences and learn more about dementia and the support available to them.
For Positive Network, creating spaces where people feel comfortable talking about dementia is particularly important. Our organisation works to support older people, vulnerable adults and communities who can experience loneliness, isolation and barriers to accessing information and services.
A Successful Dementia Research Café
On 9 February 2026, Positive Network worked alongside the NIHR St George’s Clinical Research Facility to deliver a community-led Dementia and Arthritis Research Café in Balham.
The event brought together 41 people in person, with additional members of the community taking part online. The café was co-designed with Positive Network's peer researchers and supported by the South West London Integrated Care Board.
The event followed the success of an earlier Dementia Research Café and responded directly to feedback from community elders who wanted another opportunity to learn about dementia.
This is a great example of how listening to our community can help shape services and activities that genuinely respond to people's needs.
Talking About Dementia
One of the main aims of the Dementia Café is to make conversations about dementia easier.
The 2026 session looked at:
- What dementia is.
- Why receiving a diagnosis is important.
- How to navigate GP and memory clinic pathways.
- Common concerns and misconceptions about dementia.
- Medication and available support.
- Opportunities to take part in dementia research.
The session also included a lively myth-busting discussion, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns in an open and supportive environment.
Dementia and Our Community
Dementia affects individuals, families and communities.
For many families, receiving a diagnosis can be a difficult and emotional experience. There may be questions about what happens next, where to find support and how families can continue to live well.
Positive Network believes that information needs to be accessible, understandable and delivered in an environment where people feel respected.
Our Dementia Café helps create that environment.
It gives people the opportunity to sit together, listen, learn and ask questions without feeling judged.
Connecting Communities With Research
An important part of the 2026 café was helping members of the community understand dementia research.
Positive Network's partnership with St George's has helped create a bridge between the local African-Caribbean community and clinical research.
This is particularly important because communities can sometimes be underrepresented in research. The earlier Dementia Research Café was developed partly to build trust, raise awareness and encourage greater participation in dementia research.
The 2026 event continued this important work.
By bringing researchers, clinicians and community members together in a familiar community setting, Positive Network is helping make conversations about research more accessible.
Looking Beyond Dementia
The 2026 event also included a session on arthritis, recognising that older people may be living with several health conditions at the same time.
Professor Nidhi Sofat, Consultant Rheumatologist, led the arthritis session, while Dr John Cousins spoke about navigating dementia.
Participants were able to ask questions and learn about treatment options, self-management and accessing support.
This wider approach reflects Positive Network's commitment to supporting the whole person – mind, body and community.
A Community That Listens
One of the most positive aspects of the Dementia Café is that it is shaped by the people who attend.
Feedback from elders helped lead to the return of the dementia café in 2026, while suggestions from community members also resulted in practical improvements, including a projector to make presentations clearer and improve participation for people joining online.
This demonstrates the importance of community-led projects.
At Positive Network, people are not simply participants. Their voices help shape what we do.
Continuing the Conversation
The Dementia Café is part of Positive Network's wider commitment to improving wellbeing, reducing social isolation and creating opportunities for people to connect.
Our organisation has been supporting the community since 2002 and provides activities designed to promote physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
We want to continue creating spaces where older people and their families can access information, build relationships and feel supported.
Together, we can make conversations about dementia easier.
Together, we can challenge myths and reduce stigma.
Together, we can ensure that our community's voices are heard.
