Football Memories group marks World Alzheimer’s Day
Kilmarnock Football Club charity, The Killie Community, marked World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September by sharing photos from their regular Football Memories group.
Facilitated by Alzheimer’s Scotland, this weekly group welcomes people in the community living with dementia or Alzheimer’s (along with their families, friends and carers) to reminisce about Kilmarnock Football Club through the years.
Encouraging fond memories through archive footage, trophies, memorabilia and more, the group also provides an opportunity for friendship and peer support, both for those living with dementia/Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
A social media post on the Killie Community Facebook page provided further information about dementia in Scotland:
“Just over 60,000 people in Scotland are identified as living with dementia. In Ayrshire, the recorded rate is lower than the national average.
“That doesn’t mean there is less dementia here; it likely means there are people here living with it who haven’t yet been diagnosed, and that families are managing without support.
“Research of the disease is so important, as is making sure people with a diagnosis can still get out, still be a part of things, and still be treated as themselves.
“Hearing from ex-players, reading old match programmes, team sheets and photographs, and the conversations they bring back is what Football Memories is for.
“Hundreds of local people living with Alzheimer’s have come to Football Memories. It’s two hours per week back for carers and families, and the joy of reminiscing for those living with dementia.”
Find out more about the Football Memories group in the video below, or visit the Killie Community website.
