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Picture ten men surrounding a giant Jenga, encouraging one to attempt the impossible; remove a block from a teetering tower and replace it on the top without collapsing the whole.   See them seated in a circle, kicking a football to each other or throwing a ball with speed and accuracy.  Watch them playing bowls with deadly spin and cut-throat tactics.  For two hours on a Tuesday afternoon, none of these men are disabled by dementia.  The structure of the Sporting Memories session aims to provide enough support and stimulating input to engage everyone fully in games and competitions.  It is impossible to predict who will win Spot the Ball. 

For two years, the Dementia Studio in Beeston has had a productive partnership with Sporting Memories.  Both organisations are charities, and we have found that our aims are complementary.   Sporting Memories sessions for people with dementia and their care partners run all year round at the Dementia Studio in Beeston, Nottingham.  Here, thanks to a small army of volunteers trained online to lead the sessions, eight couples enjoy conversation and refreshments.  Then the volunteers and the partners with dementia, who all happen to be male, go into a separate room to enjoy fun and games.

The volunteers deserve special mention.  Some have an incredible fund of sporting knowledge that they share with the group.  All are dedicated and empathetic, bringing a lifetime of experience to the role.   Occasionally they have introduced local sporting heroes, now retired, to meet the group and talk about their careers.

The care partners use the hour while the men are gone to share advice and support, in the presence of one volunteer with dementia knowledge and experience.  For some this is the only time in the week when they can get out and meet people.  A feature of this part of the session is the laughter shared with people who have so much in common. Over the years, we have lost members to the progression of dementia.  Nonetheless, by attending, they have built up important connections and happy memories.  When the Jenga tower finally collapses with a clattering noise, we know it’s time to go home. 

We can only accommodate 8 couples, but Sporting Memories offers help to set up new groups in other places where there is a demand.  We have found this partnership extremely rewarding. Fun and games are a good way to lighten the lives of people with dementia and their care partners.