The Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society have marked the second anniversary of the Sport and Memory Café at Cardiff Arms Park.

First launched in 2023, the fortnightly café continues to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as their loved ones and carers.

What began as an idea from Cardiff Rugby Season Ticket Member Lee Griffiths, whose father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, has continued to develop into a regular part of the community at Cardiff Arms Park.

Over the past two years, the café has welcomed a growing group of regular attendees, with sessions bringing together supporters and members of the wider community to enjoy a range of activities, reminiscence sessions and social opportunities.

From shuffleboard, sticky darts, skittles and boccia to sports quizzes, music and talks, each session offers something different, while creating an environment where people can come together, share memories and enjoy time with others.

For Lee, who came up with the idea for the café after seeing the positive impact similar groups had on his father, watching the community grow over the past two years has been particularly rewarding.

“I think the benefit is obvious to see. When you’re here, you can see those little moments, whether it’s a smile or a laugh, which isn’t always there,” Lee reflected. “They’ve become a real community and they’re not all just attendees anymore, they’re friends. Seeing that community being built has been as rewarding as anything for me.”

The café has also continued to strengthen its links across the local community, with Cardiff Arms Park itself playing an important role. The stadium and its rich sporting history provide a familiar environment for many attendees, helping to spark memories, conversations and connections.

Reflecting on the continued growth of the café, Bronnie Jones, who managed the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation, highlighted the wider impact it has had beyond those living with dementia.

“One of the big things for us was the support for the carers as well. Obviously, it’s great to run a session for people with Alzheimer’s, but as it’s grown, the support we’ve been able to deliver for those carers has grown too,” Bronnie explained. “It’s been great to see the impact reach further than those diagnosed, and it is a massive help.”