A special Football Memories event is being held tomorrow at The Stables Synergy Café at Sue Ryder The Chantry in Ipswich with a 3pm kick off.

Football Memories is a special social activity with reminiscence at its core. It was initiated about eight years ago in Scotland and was first aimed at those who experience short-term memory problems, perhaps have a diagnosis of dementia, and who have a love of football. However it is suitable for any older person, especially if they have become isolated or lonely and have no one to chat about ‘the beautiful game’ - especially past Ipswich Town triumphs!

Steve Robbins - a Town fan and Hospital Radio Ipswich football commentator - is the organiser and he has been successfully trialing sessions in various settings. He now wants to establish regular dates in Synergy Cafés around Suffolk. This special event is to raise awareness and establish what interest there is in developing the project further.

Steve has collected boxes of books, photographs, DVDs and programmes to stimulate participants. He has also been supported in the past at some sessions by Town legends including Allan Hunter, John Wark and Bryan Hamilton.

Allan and some of his ex-colleagues will be present on June 28th to share memories with participants and answer questions. There will also be a range of activities and a DVD of classic matches to view.

Refreshments will be flowing too. If you are want to come along or if you know someone who you can bring who will benefit from sharing football memories with other football fans, then please ring 01473 295200 and ask for Community Services to book a place.

Blues legend John Wark at a recent Football Memories session at the Bury Synergy Café with joint-organiser Jeff Arnold (left) and a participant

“The Synergy Cafés are wonderful places for people to meet and in the Football Memories trials it has been noted that once we get a few photos and old programmes on the table, people who are often silent and withdrawn are immediately chatting about a special game they were at or a great goal they witnessed,” enthused Steve.

Jo Marshall, neurological centre director for Sue Ryder The Chantry, said: “Football Memories is a fantastic and original idea and we’re pleased to be hosting the event. Prompting fond memories in a warm, sociable setting is a great way of dealing with some of the difficulties surrounding dementia; including social isolation.”

Sue Ryder The Chantry is a neurological care centre specialising in complex neurological conditions and physical disability. Its Synergy Cafés provide education, information and practical advice to people with dementia in order to help them live well with their condition.

Sue Ryder The Chantry now runs a free dementia helpline to provide support and information for people with dementia. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 08081 688000 for free or email dementiahelpline.suffolk@sueryder.org. All calls and emails are completely confidential.

Photo: Action Images

BrettenhamBlue added 11:19 - Jun 27 Great idea. Hope the day goes well!
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essexbluey added 14:15 - Jun 27 This is such a nice idea, my nans in a care home with dementia and every time i go up she loves talking about things from the past, one man who lives in the home saw my ipswich tattoo one time i went up and his eyes lit up, now every time i visit football and ipswich town is all he talks about, Infact i can't get away from him he follows me and my nan around but she dont care nor do i as the poor man has a link to the past talking to me,

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