Can you help jog football memories?
Group in call for volunteers
NIKI TENNANT
A call has gone out for more volunteers to join a Rutherglen group which helps former football fans and players living with dementia relive their sporting memories.
Football Memories Scotland supports people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s through a network of groups across Scotland, including one in Rutherglen.
The groups offer football fans living with dementia, and their friends and family, a space to share memories about the beautiful game and helps them reminisce about in a safe and friendly setting.
The project, which was set up by Alzheimer’s Scotland and the Footballing Museum in Hampden, has access to more than 7,000 images of major footballing events in Scotland, which provide familiarity and comfort to the members, who played for several different local teams at amateur and professional levels.
Local MP Margaret Ferrier joined the group at Rutherglen Library recently and at Hampden Park to hear about how the Football Memories Scotland project helps support people living with dementia in the town.
“It was really moving to see how images of footballing successes of yesteryear could bring such joy to people who are having to cope with one of the worst diseases imaginable,” Ms Ferrier said.
“When faced with the cruel symptoms of dementia, it can feel like the walls are closing in for those affected, as well as for their loved ones.
“Projects like Football Memories Scotland break down those walls, bringing much-needed social contact to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“I would encourage anyone who could help grow the support network offered by these groups to consider giving an hour or two of their time to help Football Memories Scotland bring joy and delight to footballers living with dementia across South Lanarkshire.”
Robert Harvey, area coordinator for the Football Memories Scotland project in Glasgow, added: “The trigger are the photos and the memorabilia.
“It starts conversations and often allows people to talk about their memories and experiences.
“From their favourite team – Clyde or Celtic or Rangers or Glencairn or Queen’s Park or Regent Star Juveniles – or their favourite players.
“Names like Bobby Murdoch or Jim Baxter or Archie Robertson are often mentioned.
“Sometimes you can hear a pin drop when someone tells a personal story, and it is not always about football.
“When a family member hears something that they may not have heard before, it can be a very special moment.
“The help and support from carers in local care homes like David Walker Gardens and Rodger Park are wonderful, as is the support from staff in the Rutherglen Library and the Eastfield Leisure Centre.
“There is something very powerful about a collective group helping each other at a Football Memories meeting.
“Early stage dementia is where it is most effective, although we have done it with all areas of the spectrum, including people with pretty advanced dementia and in some cases no speech at all.
“But they still point and recognise and smile at players they remember.
“It is not a silver bullet, it’s a stimulus to provide some happiness and some quality, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.”
The group normally meets on the last Monday of every month from 11am to noon at Rutherglen Library.
To find out more or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Football Memories Scotland Project at Hampden on 0141 616 6114 or email Glasgow@ footballmemoriesscotland. co.uk