Meet Our Committee
The people who help guide the Café.
Chairperson
Dr Yusef Rashid
Dr Yusef Rashid has been involved with Memories Dementia Café since its very beginning, helping to establish and develop what has become a valued source of friendship, companionship and support for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
A member of Portadown Rotary Club, Yusef brings both professional medical knowledge and a genuine commitment to community service to his role as Chairperson.
His medical experience is particularly valuable to the Café, providing advice and guidance whenever medical questions or concerns arise. His calm, considered approach offers reassurance to volunteers, attendees and their families alike.
As Chairperson, Yusef helps guide the Café’s continued development, ensuring that its growth remains firmly rooted in the compassion, dignity and community spirit upon which it was founded.
Treasurer
Ursula Boyle
Ursula Boyle has been at the heart of Memories Dementia Café since day one, bringing an infectious enthusiasm, warmth and, of course, a little fun and glamour to everything she does!
A proud member of Portadown Rotary Club, Ursula has played an important part in helping the Café grow into the welcoming and vibrant community it is today.
While her official role as Treasurer involves helping to oversee the Café’s finances and supporting its long-term sustainability, Ursula’s contribution goes well beyond the figures.
With her wonderful sense of fun, friendly personality and natural ability to make people feel welcome, Ursula helps create the laughter, conversation and companionship that make the Café such a special place.
Ursula embodies something we believe strongly at Memories Dementia Café: living with dementia should never mean living without laughter, friendship or a little sparkle!
Committee Secretary
Mrs Irene Black
Irene has been part of the Memories Dementia Café family since its earliest days, attending alongside her late husband, Stephen, who was a much-loved and memorable character at the Café.
Stephen embraced the friendship, laughter and activities that the Café offered, particularly at Christmas, when he enthusiastically helped make decorations and decorate the tree. His warmth, humour and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Following Stephen’s passing earlier this year, Irene chose to become more involved in the Café, joining the committee as Secretary. Drawing on her extensive administrative experience and, more importantly, her personal experience as a carer, Irene brings an invaluable understanding of the challenges faced by families living with dementia.
Irene is passionate about helping Memories Dementia Café grow, ensuring that other families can experience the same friendship, companionship and support that meant so much to her and Stephen.
The family connection continues through her nine-year-old grandson, Freddie, a familiar and welcome young visitor who enjoys helping out at the Café. Freddie is also a proud mascot for Portadown Football Club!
Founder and Project Coordinator
Simon
Simon brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, management and organisational development, alongside his involvement in local community initiatives.
As a founder of Memories Dementia Café, Simon played a key role in establishing the initiative and subsequently took on the position of Project Coordinator. He oversees the day-to-day running of the Café, develops community partnerships, coordinates fundraising and helps shape its future direction.
Simon is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people living with dementia, their families and carers can enjoy companionship, friendship and support. His vision is for Memories Dementia Café to become a trusted community resource, connecting people with the information, services and support they need.
Latest Café News
3 min read
Love, laughter and a little Halloween magic at Memories Dementia Café.
02 Nov 2026
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