Helen Oliver, chief executive of Age UK Enfield, explains more about the difference The Mabel Churn Centre is making locally

The Mabel Churn Centre, a new specialist dementia day centre in Brimsdown, is quietly transforming what dementia support can look and feel like.

More than a building or a service, it has become a place of reassurance, connection and purpose for people living with dementia and for those who care about them.

The 2021 Census showed that around 24,600 people in Enfield provide unpaid care. Caring intensity is significant, with over 13,000 residents providing more than 20 hours of unpaid care each week.

As part of Dementia Action Week from Monday 18th to Sunday, 24th May, Age UK Enfield is especially looking to carers, often family and friends, who care for the needs of people with dementia.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an act of deep commitment, but it also comes with emotional, physical, and mental challenges that can build over time. For many carers, the idea of a dementia day care centre can feel like a difficult step – sometimes even accompanied by guilt. However, centres such as ours can provide meaningful benefits not only for the person living with dementia, but also for the carer.

One of the most immediate advantages is respite. Caring is often a full-time responsibility, leaving little room for rest or personal needs. We are able to offer carers regular, reliable time to recharge. Whether it’s catching up on sleep, attending appointments, or simply having a few quiet hours, this break can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. In the long-term, this helps carers sustain their role in a healthier and more balanced way.

Day care centres also provide structure and stimulation for the person with dementia. We run activities that are designed to support cognitive function, encourage social interaction, and maintain a sense of routine.

This can lead to improvements in mood and behaviour, which in turn can make time at home more manageable and positive for both the individual and the carer.

Another key benefit is the reduction of isolation. Caring can be a lonely experience, especially as social circles shrink or routines change. With a loved one attending a day centre, carers often regain the freedom to reconnect with friends, pursue hobbies, or simply spend time outside the care-giving environment. This reconnection with everyday life is vital for emotional wellbeing.

There’s also reassurance in knowing that your loved one is in a safe, supervised environment. Day care centres are staffed by trained professionals who understand the complexities of dementia care. This can ease anxiety for carers, particularly those who worry about leaving their loved one alone or managing challenging behaviours without support.

Importantly, using a day care service such as ours does not mean stepping back from caring – it means strengthening your ability to continue. It’s a form of shared care that recognises limits and prioritises sustainability. Many carers find that after an initial adjustment period, both they and their loved one begin to look forward to the routine.

Ultimately, we are not just a service for those diagnosed; we are a vital support system for carers. By allowing space to rest, recover, and maintain personal identity, they help ensure that care remains compassionate, patient, and enduring.

For more information about The Mabel Churn Centre:
Call 020 8375 4120
Email [email protected]

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