Conversation Works |

Conversation Works exists to provide support and services to enable people living with dementia in South Devon, to live better and maintain their independence and well-being.

We are a small and friendly social enterprise passionate about making a difference which we do through conversation and connection.

Please contact Kathrine or take a look at our Facebook page to see what we have been up to.

Get In Touch

What We Do

Everything we do is underpinned by Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and designed to get people talking, thinking, and making connections.

CST Groups

We run small and very friendly Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups in Bovey Tracey. The programme consists of 2–hour weekly sessions designed for people with mild to moderate dementia, providing activities to work the brain as well as conversation and laughter.
Please see below for more information.

Buckfastleigh Memory Café

Travel by steam train through the Devon countryside with South Devon Railway. Our memory café meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 3.30 – 5pm, providing refreshments and support. This is a safe and welcoming space for local people with memory problems and those that care for them. Donation only.

Working Individually

Enjoyable and stimulating CST sessions in the comfort of your own home and tailored to your interests and needs. Lots of conversation, reminiscence and meaningful activity. Sessions last for 1 hour and are delivered 1:1.

Group Sessions

From care homes to social groups, we provide multi-sensory object-based sessions on a range of themes customised to the interests, skills and needs of the group. The sessions are designed to encourage conversation and to get people thinking.

Life Story

Life Story books and memory boxes for people living with dementia. We work with families, individuals and in partnership with Moorland Community Caring. These are a wonderful resource for the beneficiaries and their families.

Partnership Projects

We have been involved in a number of partnership projects: from working with Doorstep Arts to design and produce craft packs for people living with dementia, to delivering workshops for The Young Ones Early Onset Group. If you have an idea please get in touch.

About Conversation Works

Conversation Works is a community interest company and was set up by Kathrine Bailey in May 2022. We are a registered social enterprise that exists to support and benefit people living with dementia in South Devon. We recently completed our first Impact Report for the Memory Cafe and couldn’t be more thrilled about all we’ve achieved this year! Click the link below to check it out: https://conversationworks.co.uk/
BuckfastleighMemoryCafeImpactReport2024

Our founder, Kathrine has always loved working with people, objects and stories. Her career has taken her from museums in London to working with people living with dementia in Devon. She trained in CST in 2016 and passionately believes in this approach, especially when combined with the multi-sensory and reminiscence potential of her collection of wonderful objects.

This is just a small sample of the incredible feedback we have received. If you want to see what we can do to help you, get in touch.

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Kathrine is so enthusiastic and the ideas are wonderful, something different each week. My husband looks forward to going and thoroughly enjoys the camaraderie at the CST group he attends.

– Pat and Michael

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Heartfelt thanks for your wonderful work with Ros on her Life Story Memory Box, they were so touched. The work you’re doing is truly imaginative and so appreciated Kathrine.

– Jayne Edwards
Manager, Moorland Community Caring

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I am a fully paid up OAP but forget I am forgetting. I exercise weekly with Pilates and now I exercise my mind with regular CST group sessions. They are really good as well as joyful with lots of laughter and great fellowship.

– Richard

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Everyone super friendly as usual at the Buckfastleigh Memory Café and so lovely to see Dad enjoying himself. Such a positive and uplifting experience.

– Sharon, daughter of Iain

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any other questions please do get in touch.

What is CST?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based treatment developed by researchers at University College London (UCL). It is recommended by NICE and the Alzheimer’s Society for people with mild to moderate dementia. CST was developed in the UK and is designed to delay cognitive decline and improve people’s well-being.

More information can be found by visiting https://www.ucl.ac.uk/international-cognitive-stimulation-therapy

What are the benefits of CST?

CST is the only non-drug treatment recommended to improve memory and thought processes, independence and wellbeing. It aims to actively stimulate and engage people with dementia, whilst providing an accessible, welcoming and sociable space to meet and form supportive relationships.

What happens in a CST group session?

Each session is based around a different theme and interpreted through different activities from discussion, creativity and reminiscence to cognitive exercises involving words and numbers. All activities are based on people’s opinions rather than facts and aim to encourage new ideas, thoughts and associations as well as to strengthen concentration, thinking and communication skills.

What is the structure of the CST group?

The same group (maximum of 6 people) meets every week for 2 hours. Research demonstrating the effectiveness of CST shows the importance of continuity and consistency, so it is recommended that group members commit to attend every week for a minimum of 14 sessions. Longer term attendance, known as Maintenance CST, works to continue the benefits.

Where and When do CST sessions take place?

Currently CST sessions take place every Monday at the Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey. The morning session runs 10.30 – 12.30 and the afternoon from 2.30 – 4.30. Please contact us to find out more. We always arrange a home visit to discuss your needs and take a few details, followed by an offer to attend a free trial session to meet the group and get a taste of what we do.

How much does it cost?

There is a charge of £25/30 per CST session (dependant on type of membership). If you are eligible for full or part funding from Social Care we are an approved contractor with Devon County Council. This financial investment pays dividends in maintaining independence and identity.

Can I attend the Memory Café?

The Buckfastleigh Memory Café is for anyone living with dementia or other memory problems together with a companion or carer. There is no need to book but if you would like to know more regarding access please give us a call. It takes place in a designated carriage pulled by a heritage steam train operated by South Devon Railway and departs at 3.45pm precisely. Currently there is no wheel chair access to the carriage. There is a toilet on board but fully accessible toilets are available on the platform at Buckfastleigh and Totnes where the train stops for 15 minutes. We also ask for a suggested donation of £2.50 per person.