It was a huge pleasure today to host the Sporting Memories Network in Parliament. It’s a really great idea and their work is clearly having a positive effect on so many people. The charity supports older people across the UK living with dementia, depression and loneliness by engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of watching or playing sport. Sharing memories of sporting moments and tapping into a passion for sport helps people to connect with others and with their past, reawakening positive thoughts and feelings that otherwise remain hidden away.
The Alzheimer’s Society estimate that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over one million by 2025. This is then expected to soar to two million by 2051. According to Age UK, two fifths all older people (about 3.9 million) say that television is their main company. Loneliness and depression also affect thousands of people every day around the country.
I met Directors, Chris Wilkins and Tony Jameson-Allen, who co-founded the Sporting Memories Network and have grown it into the successful charity that exists today. I immediately understood what Sporting Memories were working toward as they aim to challenge stereotypical views of ageing and mental health issues. Their volunteers help reduce stigma around issues like dementia and depression and help reduce loneliness to enable older people to live well.
Patrons who attended the event in Parliament today, including talkSPORT’s Paul Hawskbee and former England football striker, Luther Blissett, also do great work promoting Sporting Memories.
Find out more about Sporting Memories here: http://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/