FORGET- ME- NOT CAFE: WISHING FOR MEMORIES

Photo: Angi Mcluskey Credit: Forget-Me-Not Dementia Support Facebook page

In 2017, Angi McCluskey, driven by her personal experience as a carer for her husband Michael, who was diagnosed with dementia, founded the Forget-Me-Not Café—a small but impactful initiative that has grown into a vital support network for those living with dementia and their carers. Angi’s journey began with a profound sense of isolation and a lack of understanding of dementia care. Through her own struggles, she realized that many others were facing similar challenges and that a safe, welcoming space was desperately needed for both emotional support and connection.

‘‘you can still make the most of what you have and enjoy it, you know, if you always like going dancing. And if you like to go into the theatre, if you just like sitting and playing Scrabble, still do it”. Angi mentioned.

The Forget-Me-Not Café was born out of Angi's desire to create a community where people living with dementia and their families could come together, share experiences, and celebrate life despite the challenges of the disease. "We were just left to our own devices," Angi explains. "There were some workshops and seminars, but nothing in the moment that made us feel connected or understood."

What began as a small gathering at a local café has blossomed into a network of over 30 Forget-Me-Not Café locations across Western Australia. These cafés offer a place for people affected by dementia to meet, share their stories, and form friendships in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. "The word spread quickly," Angi recalls. "People started asking, 'Can we have one here? Can you start one in our area?'"

Through her work with the cafés, Angi has created not only a space for connection but a wider movement for raising awareness and improving dementia care. In addition to her work with the Forget-Me-Not Café, Angi has served on several advisory councils, including for Fremantle and Fiona Stanley hospitals, as well as Alzheimer’s WA. These roles have given her the platform to advocate for more compassionate, comprehensive dementia care, as well as to educate healthcare providers on the emotional and practical needs of dementia patients and their families.

Angi’s work continues to inspire and profoundly impact the dementia community. Her message is clear: "Talk gently, talk to the eyes, don’t get frustrated when you don’t get an answer, it’s just being there if there asleep just hold there hand."

Through the Forget-Me-Not Café and her ongoing advocacy, Angi McCluskey is bringing much-needed change, support, and hope to families affected by dementia. While there is still much work to be done, Angi remains committed to the cause, driven by her belief that a cure is possible and that every person with dementia deserves dignity, respect, and care.