A project which uses memories of sporting glories to help people fight debilitating dementia has scored a £5,000 funding boost.
Sunderland Sporting Memories Project uses people’s shared love and memorabilia such as photographs, match programmes and replica shirts donated by fellow football fans to stir memories and stimulate debate in ‘reminiscence’ projects which can then encourage them into exercise sessions.
It is part of the national ‘Sporting Memories Network’ scheme, which has the support of organisations such as the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association and is nationally recognised by mental health groups, including the Alzheimer’s Society for its work.
Now Sunderland’s West Area Committee has provided £5,000 to fund two community-based sporting memories groups. Twelve library staff will be the first to begin training next month, with other voluntary and community groups including Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light attending future sessions.
Setting up these local Sporting Memories groups will help us reach a lot of people and encourage them to get involved with conversation, activities and socialising through their love of football and sport.
Chairman of the West Area Commitee
To promote the scheme, the project held a recent event in Barnes Park where memorbailia on show included SAFC programmes and tickets from when Roker Park hosted 1966 World Cup games.
Activities included a ‘spot the ball’ competition to win a replica SAFC Kevin Phillips shirt, won by Eric Lisle from Blakeney Woods.
Originally published by Sunderland Echo 12/6/15
To find out more about the Sporting Memories Network which supports projects throughout England, click on the link below to visit their website:
