Meet Oor Committee

The fowk wha help guide the Café.

Chairperson

Dr Yusef Rashid

Dr Yusef Rashid haes been involved wi Memories Dementia Café frae its varra stairt, helpin tae establish an develop whit haes become a valued source o freenship, companionship an support for fowk livin wi dementia, their faimilies an cairers.

A member o Portadown Rotary Club, Yusef brings baith professional medical knowledge an a genuine commitment tae community service tae his role as Chairperson.

His medical experience is particularly valuable tae the Café, providin advice an guidance whaniver medical questions or concerns arise. His calm, considered approach offers reassurance tae volunteers, attenders an their faimilies alike.

As Chairperson, Yusef helps guide the Café’s continued development, ensurin that its growth bides firmly rootit in the compassion, dignity an community spirit on whilk it wus foundit.

Treasurer

Ursula Boyle

Ursula Boyle haes been at the hert o Memories Dementia Café since day yin, bringin an infectious enthusiasm, warmth an, o course, a wee bit o fun an glamour tae iverything she daes!

A prood member o Portadown Rotary Club, Ursula haes played an important pairt in helpin the Café grow intae the welcomin an vibrant community it is the day.

While her official role as Treasurer involves helpin tae oversee the Café’s finances an supportin its lang-term sustainability, Ursula’s contribution gaes weel ayont the figures.

Wi her wonderfu sense o fun, freendly personality an natural ability tae mak fowk feel welcome, Ursula helps create the lauchter, conversation an companionship that mak the Café sic a special place.

Ursula embodies somethin we believe strongly at Memories Dementia Café: livin wi dementia should niver mean livin athoot lauchter, freenship or a wee bit o sparkle!

Committee Secretary

Mrs Irene Black

Irene haes been pairt o the Memories Dementia Café faimily since its earliest days, comin alang wi her late guidman, Stephen, wha wis a muckle-loved an memorable character at the Café.

Stephen embraced the freendship, lauchter an activities the Café offered, especially at Christmas, when he eagerly helped mak decorations an decorate the tree. His warmth, humour an larger-than-life personality left a lastin impression on aabody wha kent him.

Efter Stephen’s passin earlier this year, Irene chose tae become mair involved in the Café, joinin the committee as Secretary. Drawin on her extensive administrative experience an, mair importantly, her personal experience as a carer, Irene brings an invaluable understandin o the challenges faced by faimilies livin wi dementia.

Irene is passionate aboot helpin Memories Dementia Café grow, makkin siccar that ither faimilies can experience the same freendship, companionship an support that meant sae much tae her an Stephen.

The faimily connection continues through her nine-year-auld grandson, Freddie, a familiar an welcome young visitor wha enjoys helpin oot at the Café. Freddie is also a proud mascot for Portadown Football Club!

Foonder an Project Coordinator

Simon

Simon brings ower 15 year o experience in financial services, management an organisational development, alang wi his involvement in local community initiatives.

As a foonder o Memories Dementia Café, Simon played a key role in establishin the initiative an syne took on the position o Project Coordinator. He oversees the day-tae-day runnin o the Café, develops community partnerships, coordinates fundraisin an helps shape its future direction.

Simon is passionate aboot creatin a welcomin an inclusive environment whaur fowk livin wi dementia, their faimilies an carers can enjoy companionship, freendship an support. His vision is for Memories Dementia Café tae become a trustit community resource, connectin fowk wi the information, services an support they need.