Chat, Stories & Tea 
Chat, Stories & Tea is a healthy ageing program run exclusively by Whiddon for people with memory challenges, dementia or short-term memory loss.
Chat, Stories & Tea is a social, group based therapy based on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. It has proven to improve cognitive function and mood, increase self-confidence and self-esteem around communication and social interaction.
As a therapy, Chat, Stories & Tea has proven as effective as dementia medication at delaying or stabilising cognitive decline.
It’s a failure-free therapy and there are no wrong answers – Chat, Stories & Tea is based on imagination, not fact!
Participants are part of a fun and supportive environment where everyone builds confidence through socialising with others
Supports wellbeing and improved quality of life by increasing confidence and self-esteem
Supports everyone to build social connections and reduce loneliness through regular participation and social contact
There’s something for everyone – conversation and group activities draw on opinions, creative expression and life experience. The variety of themes ranging from travel, history, celebrities, gardening, music, food through to art and crafts activities.
Chat, Stories & Tea is run as a structured social group program at Whiddon. Each group has up to 8 participants and the program runs for four months at a time.
The groups are structured and involve conversation and interaction around many different themes and multi sensory stimulus. They offer a regular, enjoyable and supportive social environment.
Chat, Stories & Tea groups are run by specially trained employees, in a fun and supportive environment.
Whiddon’s Chat, Stories & Tea is founded on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), which was developed in the UK by Professor Martin Orrell and Dr Aimee Spector. CST is widely used in aged care services in the UK and many other countries.
