Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and it is well known that across Blackpool and the UK, the two most common mental health problems amongst the over 65s are depression and dementia. Furthermore, social isolation is a significant risk factor for poor mental health and is experienced by one million older people in the UK. As such, strengthening positive relationships in later life will help to promote mental health and wellbeing for all of us.
This was the context for the decision to look at ways in which Blackpool FC Community Trust could support the community to address these issues, which resulted in the development of a weekly Sporting Memories group at Bloomfield Road Football stadium. This group, which is aimed at all older sports fans, including those living with memory loss, meets every Thursday in the club shop from 1pm and is free to attend.
This group has now been running for several months, and based upon the interest this group has received, we are delighted to announce the development of three more groups across Blackpool and Fylde. These groups take place at the following locations:
Blackpool Royal British Legion Club, 33-39 King Street, Blackpool FY1 3EJ – Every Friday from 10.30am -12. 30pm.
Lytham Ex-Service & Social Club Ltd, Chapel Street, Lytham, FY8 5ND – Every Tuesday from 12.30-2pm.
The Grange, Bathurst Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 7RW – Every Wednesday from 10.30am – 12pm.
In addition to Sporting Memories, we also run a weekly social group for people aged 50+ where they meet up and play games, quizzes, raffles, chair based exercises, and generally have fun. This group meets every Monday from 1.30-3.30pm and takes place at the Club Shop, Bloomfield Road Stadium and costs £2 to attend.
For those who want something a little more physical, we also run a very popular walking football programme. This takes place every Monday and Thursday at PlayFootball on Garstang Road and costs £4 to attend each session.
As you can imagine, sustaining all of these groups is a significant challenge and to that end, volunteers are always required. If you feel as though the above is something you would like to be involved with, please do get in touch.
For further information on any of the above, please contact Dave Marsland on 07786 361238 or email: dave.marsland@bfcct.co.uk
