A new cafe to support people with dementia has been launched at a care home.

Barton Court care home, in New Road, Minster, hosted the opening of the Friends Together dementia support group.

Mayor of Swale Cllr George Bobbin attended with his wife, mayoress Brenda, and cut a ribbon before more than 50 visitors, including patients, carers and staff enjoyed refreshments.

Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey pupil Ryan O’Bray played piano for background music.

The idea behind the cafe is for sufferers of the disease and their loved ones to have a place to sit and discuss the condition with their carers and staff and get help and advice.

It will be open all the time for care home residents, but anyone who wants support will be welcome once a month.

An open morning will be held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am to noon. The service is run in partnership with Age UK Sheppey and Kent County Council’s carers’ support group.

Activities coordinator Elaine Bashford said: “The launch was absolutely wonderful. Lots of people came along and we had nothing but positive feedback.

“It’s good for our residents as they can make new friends which is really important and also about reaching out to people who are isolated.”