People with dementia and their carers will be able to relax over a cuppa and gain much needed support with the launch of a new café.

The new service will open its doors on at Finchley Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, August 14.

Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, the café will give people with dementia and carers a platform to talk openly about living with the condition in a relaxed and informal environment.

The service is being funded by Councillor Lisa Rutter, who raised £17,500 for the  Alzheimer’s Society during her mayoral year in 2011 and 2012.

She said the group, which will meet on the second Wednesday of each month, was very important to raise awareness of the condition and improve the quality of life of sufferers.

She added: “As more and more people are living longer, dementia becomes a growing concern. It’s horrible watching someone you know change before your eyes and become unrecognisable.

“Many people with the condition can feel isolated and unwilling to leave the house, especially if they have just been diagnosed.

“The dementia café will give sufferers a chance to meet other people in their situation and help them not to be afraid.”

She added the café, which would offer free food, drink and parking, would also give carers some respite, knowing those they looked after were in good hands.

The group will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, and Cllr Rutter will also give keep fit classes including Tai Chi and yoga to carers and those with dementia.

The representative for Brunswick Park added she was eager for people to step forward to volunteer.

She said: “I will carry on fundraising to support the Alzheimer’s Society in its work until they find a cure that can stop dementia.

"There are estimated to be 4,027 people in Barnet, the second highest number in London, with the condition, and this will rise to 4,997 by 2021.

"But with the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years."