Initiative to donate dinners for dementia awareness

Diners in Stratford-upon-Avon who are celebrating with friends and family by eating out this Christmas will also be contributing towards a free restaurant meal for a resident living with dementia in their community.

The Christmas initiative by French restaurant Bistrot Pierre will donate dinners to well-deserving Stratford-upon-Avon residents, in a first of its kind partnership with the Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project (WRAP).

For every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more in December, Bistrot Pierre, located on the banks of the River Avon, will gift a free Menu Pierre three-course meal to a carer or charity user nominated by WRAP, redeemable throughout January 2023.

This initiative comes at a time of year when many older people are known to be battling loneliness, alongside the ever-increasing cost of living crisis.

WRAP has been chosen for its support and training of people caring for loved ones in the community suffering with dementia. Alongside their support, WRAP host a range of activities, including intergenerational projects and its Cafe WRAP Muse coffee afternoons- a free and lively supportive group for those living with dementia and their carers.

WRAP chairperson, June Butler, said: “We are a very small charity with big ambitions, so we are just so excited to be partnering with Bistrot Pierre this Christmas.

“There are an estimated 46.8 million people living with dementia in the world and it is viewed as one of the greatest challenges our world will face for decades to come. Reminiscence therapy and gathering together is particularly effective for those living with this debilitating disease, so we are really looking forward to the opportunity to dine together at Bistrot Pierre in the New Year. ”

CEO of Bistrot Pierre, Nick White, said: “Community is at the heart of what we do at Bistrot Pierre. There has never been a more important time to throw open our doors and welcome in those most in need within the communities we are based.

“As a thank you to our customers who continue to support us, we thought it fitting to reward their loyalty by supporting those who are vulnerable this year with a much-needed treat courtesy of Bistrot Pierre and we hope customers will want to get involved and make a difference to the lives of those living with dementia in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“We are still taking bookings for our Christmas period, so we're encouraging customers to try and be as generous as possible and enjoy a little bit of festive fun with us, which will also help those unsung residents in the area.

“I want to thank WRAP for their support and also for their tireless work with those in their community. And most importantly, we hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! ”

For further information about Bistrot Pierre and to book a table this Christmas, please visit: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk. For more information about WRAP, please visit www.reminiscence.org.uk