DJ Dave at dementia drop-in gig
Newmains’NCT Centre has become a thriving hub of activity for people with dementia.
The elderly residents who turn up week in, week out have a social life people have their age would be delighted with.
Tea dances, drop-in cafes, sporting memories events, music, quizzes, and setting off on day trips, it’s all happening at the NCT Centre.
The Dementia Project, led by Ray Fallan, had no service users when it was first launched in May 2018.
These days dozens of elderly people attend with their wife/husband or carers, and the Newmains sporting memories group has grown to the biggest in North Lanarkshire with around 30 members.
Ray said: “The project caters for people living in Newmains and surrounding areas. Some people attend on their own, and others come along with their partner or carers. The majority of members still live in the community.
“And while their loved ones are being looked after and enjoying their groups and activities, their carers are offered various therapies such as reiki, head massages, and hand massages.
“This is very important as many carers of people with dementia get very little time to themselves and are under a lot of stress.”
The Sporting Memories group runs every Thursday from 11am-1pm in the centre, which helps tackle dementia, depression and loneliness through the power of sports reminiscence.
There are also art groups, reminiscence singing, and regular entertainment in the drop-in cafe.
Former Radio Clyde DJ David Marshall visited the NCT Centre last week and staged a nostalgic presentation called ‘Yesterday Once More’, which featured old photos and music that were enjoyed by all in attendance.
People with dementia have been taken on trips to places like Hampden Park, and are preparing for a visit to Murrayfield in Edinburgh next.
Ray Fallan insists that the NCT Centre plays an important role in bringing people together locally.
The dementia project is also looking for volunteers to help design and deliver support services. To find out more email: ray@nctcentre.co.uk