ANGI McCluskey was just 18 years old when she married her teenage sweetheart Michael.
While they still enjoy a long and happy marriage, the couple’s world was rocked when Mr McCluskey was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s three years ago.
The diagnosis led to the couple moving from their Toodyay home to Roleystone so they could be closer to family and a support system.
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READ NOWAfter settling in their new home, Mrs McCluskey began talking with Alzheimer’s WA about local groups in the area for people living with memory loss.
She said while support groups for carers existed nearby in Gosnells and Kalamunda, there was nothing around for memory loss recipients and their partners or carers to do together.
So she decided to start her own, founding the monthly Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe at Roleystone’s Garden Tearooms.
“Since our arrival in Roleystone Michael and I visit the Garden Tearooms and love the peace and tranquillity of its beautiful riverside setting,” she said.
“I thought it would be an ideal location to host a Memory Cafe, a place where people living with memory loss and their carers could meet together, in a non-judgemental, safe and comfortable environment.
“Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe is a relaxed morning tea where people can openly discuss their experiences, hopes and fears, give and receive support from and to one another.
“It is still in very early stages and we really would like to spread the word to locals in our area who are living with memory loss.”
The Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe is held at the Garden Tearooms on Croyden Road, Roleystone on the first Friday of each month between 10am and 11am.
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