Spotlight for International Women’s Month – Linda Stross at As Time Goes By Café

In commemoration of International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day (8 March), HEY Smile Foundation is sharing a series of spotlights on influential women across the VCSE sector in the East Riding. Today, we are proud to celebrate Linda Stross, Secretary and Administrator at As Time Goes By Café.

Welcoming Space for Dementia Support

Hosted from the United Reform Church in Hornsea, As Time Goes By Café provides a safe and nurturing space for anybody living with any type of dementia and their family, friends and carers. Not only does the café provide enriching activities for brain health but acts as a community for those supporting loved ones.

Linda’s Personal Journey

Linda’s journey into supporting dementia patients is rooted in personal experience. “I only really learnt about dementia when my husband was diagnosed with it. You look back on things that have happened and think – yes, that was a sign and I missed it.”

After being a part of a supportive community in Surrey, Linda noticed a lack of provision when she moved to Hornsea in 2020. Speaking on her experience attending a similar café in Surrey, she said, “it was so nice to meet people in the same situation as me”. She expressed feeling “guilty about so many things” and finding comfort in confiding in others who understood the often-harsh realities of caring for somebody with dementia.

Shaping the Café

When Linda heard about a local town councillor named Angus collating a group of people impacted by dementia, she joined the initial meetings which led to the formation of the café. Sharing her positive experiences from the café in Surrey allowed her to play an active role in shaping As Time Goes By, such as the choice of venue. Everybody involved agreed on one core position – they wanted this service to be free.

Most Fulfilling Moments

Linda finds “interacting with the people” the most fulfilling part of her role. She enjoys “seeing people enjoy themselves” and being able to give carers the chance to take a break and receive guidance and support. She highlighted the importance of giving carers a safe and private space to speak freely, and express emotions and concerns they may not otherwise have an opportunity to share.

Proudest Achievements

Reflecting on her greatest achievement, Linda recalls the moment she received a call that she had been successful in securing her first grant – “even now I can remember how proud I felt”.

To Linda, being part of the VCSE sector is “invaluable”. Knowing there are other organisations and services to turn to when she needs advice and guidance allows her more time to focus on the operational side of her work.

Looking Ahead

Looking into the near future, Linda is excited about upcoming Easter activities supported by the local Tesco. She also expressed appreciation for the bi-monthly Active Communities meetings which unite the VCSE sector across Hornsea.

Linda’s Message

“You are stronger than you think you are. I never envisaged being so heavily involved in something like this. If you don’t think you can do something give it a try because you might be surprised – I certainly am.”

Share this story and celebrate the women shaping our communities this International Women’s Month.