New Football Memories Group – Recruiting Participants Now

Due to the amazing success of the Football Memories Project, we are delighted to be launching a 2nd Football Memories Group, helping even more dementia sufferers, here at Tynecastle.

The group will run on the second Tuesday of every month and kicks off on July 12th between 1:45 and 3:15pm in the Bobby Walker Lounge.

Football Memories trains volunteers to spend time with dementia sufferers who have an interest in football. Helpers talk about teams and matches from the past and work with images and memorabilia to stimulate memories. The programme has also been visited by many former Hearts players.

Craig Stewart, one of our Big Hearts Supporters & Volunteers recently spoke to the Evening News about his experience in helping at the group.

He said: “It’s an hour-and-a-half sitting in groups around the table with photographs and old newspaper cuttings. One volunteer has made a scrapbook out of an old wallpaper catalogue which is really popular, but there are also laminated photographs and Hearts books with player histories.

“It is all very visual and the service users tend to really come to life when they see players that they remember.”

He added: “In normal conversation, they can be quite reserved and struggling with their memories, but when they see the pictures you can notice a real difference. They become enthusiastic and excited and as a volunteer you build up a camaraderie with them.”

The project’s impact has also been summed up by the wife of one of the men who attends the meetings.

She said: “He’s a different person when he comes out. It’s put new life into him, and you can see that with all the men there.”

To register for the new Football Memories Group or to find out more please email communications@bighearts.org.uk or call 0131 200 7217.