Welcome to Memory Lane Café

A safe, welcoming, and understanding place for people living with dementia, their carers, and those from our Café who have been bereaved. Every Tuesday, we open our doors to companionship, support, and smiles.

A Place of Comfort and Connection

At Memory Lane Café, you’ll always find a warm welcome. We understand the challenges of living with dementia or caring for a loved one, and we’re here to make life just a little easier.

Visitors tell us the café gives them:

  • Relief — knowing their loved one has a safe place to connect
  • Companionship — friendships that bring comfort and joy
  • Understanding — from people who “get it” because they’ve been there too

Latest news

Discover more about our recent day trips, events and adventures. We also share inspiring stories from our guests, families and volunteers as well as upcoming events to look forward to.

Day Trips

Memory Lane Café Visits the Transport Museum

Our Memory Lane Café group enjoyed a wonderful July outing with a visit to the local Transport Museum.

Day Trips

A Summer Day Out at Stonham Barns

In August, our Memory Lane Café group enjoyed a fantastic summer outing to Stonham Barns — and what a lovely day it was!

EventsNews

Memory Lane Café Shines at Awards

We’re thrilled to share that Memory Lane Café was recently shortlisted for the 2025 BBC Suffolk Make a Difference Awards!

Weekly Café Gatherings

Tuesdays, 11am – 2pm
The Meeting Place, Limerick Close, Ipswich, IP1 5LR
£5 per person (includes tea, coffee and a light lunch)

Activities That Uplift

Every week is different, but some of the things you’ll find at the café include:

  • Gentle activities designed for all abilities
  • Arts, crafts, and music
  • Special guests from local organisations
  • Relaxed conversation and laughter over lunch

Stories from Our Café

Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our visitors have to say:

“When I first brought my Pa to Memory Lane Café, he was living with Alzheimer’s and very poorly. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were met with warmth, compassion, and understanding. The volunteers not only supported Pa, but they also supported us as a family through an incredibly difficult time.

After losing Pa, I knew I wanted to give something back to the place that had given us so much comfort and care. Now, as a volunteer, I see each week how much love and community the café brings to others facing similar journeys. Memory Lane Café truly is a lifeline — a place filled with kindness, dignity, and hope.”

Family member and volunteer

“Memory Lane Café has provided me with positive socialisation by meeting new people who are now friends. It’s a safe place, with fun games dancing and generally being able to get involved. The volunteers are friendly and the food is good. I miss it if I’m elsewhere”

Martin, café member.

“I love coming to Memory Lane Café. From the first moment we are greeted with lovely smiles from all the volunteers and trustees. We’ve made so many good and caring friends, and that includes regular entertainers. I particularly like the Dance East exercises and dearest Darren’s games. The tasty lunch is a bonus! ”

Mavis, café member.

Stay in touch

We’d love to keep in touch with you. Join our mailing list to hear about:

  • Future spaces at the café
  • Special events and outings
  • Community news and stories