As the World Cup launches this week, an award-winning dementia therapy programme which uses sporting memories is looking for supporters to join its new project in North East Lincolnshire.

North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging community groups and businesses to join the Sporting Memories programme, which uses sports reminiscence to improve the wellbeing of older people, including those living with dementia.

A launch event is taking place on Thursday 26^th June at Grimsby Town Football Club for volunteers, care homes, day centres, health and social care staff, sport and leisure organisations who want to help make a difference to older people.

Up to 30 organisations or 60 individuals will receive free training and support to deliver the Sporting Memories programme locally, with a view to developing local support networks for people living with dementia.

“Whether you’re a football fan or not, the Sporting Memories programme uses any sport reminiscence to improve the lives of older people,” said Tony Jameson-Allen, Director of Sporting Memories.

“We initially piloted the project at Cranwell Court care home with North East Lincolnshire CCG; it proved so successful that the Health and Wellbeing Board has agreed to fund a full-time project. Now we’re looking for groups, organisations and businesses to join the network and help make a difference to people’s lives. Whether it’s hosting a Sporting Memories group, transcribing people’s memories or researching local sporting history – we need your help.

“Premier League football referee Howard Webb MBE, who is officiating in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, is a supporter of the programme and has shared his previous World Cup memories as part of the programme. If football isn’t your thing, we’re always looking for other memories from tennis to ice skating or running.”

Dr Karin Severin, Clinical Lead for Older People for North East Lincolnshire CCG, added: “The Sporting Memories programme helps people with dementia to open up and increases their self esteem, which is an important part of therapy. I’m delighted that the project is being rolled out across North East Lincolnshire and it’s a great opportunity for individuals and businesses to help create a dementia friendly community.”

Initial training lasts three hours between 9:30am and 12:30pm or 1:30pm and 4:30pm in the McMenemy Suite at Blundell Park, Grimsby Town Football Club. To register your interest please visit http://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/NELS. Alternatively, if you want to share your personal memories of sport online, visit http://www.sportingmemories.org/

Read Howard Webb MBE’s memories here: http://football.sportingmemories.org/memory/3520-howard-webb/

The Sporting Memories project was recently awarded best national initiative at the Dementia Friendly Awards in May 2014.

The North East Lincolnshire Sporting Memories project is funded by the North East Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board, following a successful pilot by North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

ENDS

Visit www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk
Follow us: @NELincsCCG

Notes to editors:

1. NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was established in April 2013, following the Government’s health reforms, and is made up of 30 GP practices in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
2. The CCG is responsible for health and social care services for over 165,000 people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
3. NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG is the only CCG in the country to have responsibility for both NHS and Adult Social Care.
4. The CCG is made up of people who understand patients’ needs best, including doctors, nurses and health professionals from 30 GP member practices.
5. The CCG actively listens to local people and partners to decide what health services are needed for local people

Media contact NHS North Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit: 0300 303 8394

Issued by:
Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr
@sarahhowellspr

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