Volunteers at a care home for elderly people with dementia were thanked for their service with a celebratory afternoon of tea and cake.

Meadowside care home in North Finchley was visited by Steve Flanagan, chief executive of the Fremantle Trust, in recognition of the contribution they make at the local charity and care provider.

The home’s staff and a team of 12 volunteers provide specialist support for older people and those living with dementia.

Service manager Rachel Sohorye is working to encourage volunteers to be part of the wider team at Meadowside and has worked hard to develop relationships with organisations like The Royal Mencap Society.

The afternoon tea was an opportunity to thank the volunteers for serving their community and providing care and support to the home’s residents by chatting with residents and providing support for the care home’s full programme of activities.

Rachel Sohorye said: “Our volunteer appreciation event was fantastic and an opportunity to show how much we value the contribution made by each individual.

“Helping an older person who is no longer fully independent is an incredible thing to do and brings communities together.

“Residents living with dementia can also experience ‘butterfly moments’ by interacting with volunteers – while the memory may be fleeting, the associated feeling will always remain.

“That is a very special thing.”