Growing support for Sporting Network looking to help adults with memory loss

Funding has been announced for 55 new weekly sporting memories groups across Scotland’s central belt, after the Sporting Memories Network launched a successful bid with the Lottery-funded Life Changes Trust Dementia Programme.

The Network, which is dedicated to ‘Well-being through reminisence’ continues to go from strength to strength, especially in Scotland where the movement was founded. Although the campaign has also recently announced funding projects in collaboration with four English Premier League football clubs; Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland.

Establishing more sporting memories groups means the Network can expand on the number of projects that are focused on engaging with adults diagnosed with dementia, as well as their carers.

As director Chris Wilkins explains, “The funding provides a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with older people living with dementia, their carers, peers and the wider community to make a significant contribution to help people live well with dementia and to offer support to their carers too.

“We look forward to working with so many vibrant communities and organisations who have supported the bid. We’d love to hear from people who would be interested in helping with the groups, full details of opportunities for volunteers and of dates and venues of the groups will be confirmed shortly.”

Anna Buchanan, director of the Life Changes Trust dementia programme, also comments, “One of the most devastating issues that can arise from having dementia or caring for someone with dementia is social isolation. Organisations like the Sporting Memories Network bring people together in a dementia friendly community of interest where they have opportunities to be part of something that is meaningful to them.

“Sporting Memories has already had great success with its groups in Scotland, and this funding will support the Network to make an even greater difference to the lives of people affected by dementia living in Scotland.”