Why we're joining forces with Sporting Memories to #TalkAboutSport

The Sporting Memories charity was founded in Yorkshire in 2011 and aims to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness by using the power of sport.

Now more than ever – during a global pandemic which is keeping families and friends apart – their brilliant work is even more important.

That’s why we have teamed up with Sporting Memories to help them share their stories, back their latest campaign and reach out to people who might be struggling during these difficult times.

Over the coming weeks we will keep you updated with news from the Foundation and reflect on some of their success stories.

We will also be increasing our sports nostalgia content and encouraging readers to #TalkAboutSport.

#TalkAboutSport – Sporting Memories’ latest campaign

With the suspension of Sporting Memories’ clubs due to Covid-19, the charity is encouraging everyone, no matter where you are, to #TalkAboutSport.

“We all know someone who loves to talk about sport,” said a Sporting Memories spokesperson. “Talking about sport is the bedrock of our community clubs for older people.

“It’s a powerful, emotive and often joyous topic that engages people on all levels. We use sport to tackle social isolation and improve physical and cognitive well-being and resilience.

“Now that so many of us are isolated from our loved ones and friends, we want to encourage as many people as possible to talk about sport. To engage by whatever means we can with our family and friends of all ages, spark lively conversations and bring to the fore all those positive memories.

“That’s why we have launched #TalkAboutSport. We want to demonstrate to as many people as possible the health, wellbeing and social benefits of talking about sport.

“Over the coming weeks we will give you a taste of what happens at our clubs and demonstrate how to bring this into the home and over the telephone.”

About Sporting Memories

Sporting Memories was the world’s first charity to use the power of sport to bring together older adults who may be living with conditions such as dementia, depression or feeling lonely.

The idea was to create Sporting Memories clubs in local communities where people come together to find fun and companionship.

Remembering fond moments, talking about a subject you love, building friendships and doing some gentle exercise all contribute to increased general well-being.

Reminiscing is proven to lead to an increase in cognitive resilience for those who live with dementia.

Next year we will be marking our 10th anniversary, which we can hardly believe.

Sporting Memories was established by two men with a passion for sport: Yorkshireman Tony Jameson-Allen and co-founder Chris Wilkins.

Over 130 Sporting Memories clubs have been established in local communities across England, Wales and Scotland. The first in Yorkshire was set up in Northallerton in June 2015.

Our clubs are friendly places, with sessions run by our teams of fully trained volunteers. The sessions are structured and lots of fun.

Our members and their carers or families tell us time and again that their club is the highlight of their week and makes a real, positive difference to their lives.

Covid-19 has meant the suspension of our clubs in venues – but as a charity and with our partners we have found other ways to connect.

Online clubs, well-being calls, digital resources to share with families – and a national campaign to tell everyone that it is good to ‘Talk about sport’ with someone you know who may be feeling lonely.

And we have made available on our website lots of resources to do just that.

Over the following weeks we will tell you more about what we have been doing over the past few months, how you can get involved with our work, some special Yorkshire events and, of course, our local clubs. We also hope to have some fun with favourite sporting memories.

If you would like more information about Sporting Memories and our clubs then please feel free to contact our Yorkshire Coordinator Matt Pennington (details below).

What have people said about Sporting Memories?

“Everyone has their own needs and issues but the group seems to lighten things for people, lets them just enjoy themselves.”

“It’s friendly and you aren’t made to feel there is something wrong.”

“The group and ages blend together and the group has a lovely spirit/feel to it.”

(Source: www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com )

How do I find out more information about Sporting Memories?

Website: www.thesmf.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @SportsMemNet @SMN_Yorkshire

Facebook: facebook.com/SportingMemoriesFoundation

Make a donation: www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/Pages/Appeal/Category/donate