People with dementia in Salford can continue to benefit from weekly walking football sessions in Broughton and Swinton, after more funding was secured.
Salford-based Age UK continues to collaborate with Foundation 92 on the sessions, having started to collaborate two years ago in keeping people fit and active every Thursday at Albert Park.
Due to funding from The Football Association and Sport England, Foundation 92 can continue to provide experienced coaches to work with up to ten people, while a dementia worker also attends the sessions.
Jean Mann from Age UK Salford has said “Even though it’s only serving ten people it’s so important that we keep it going as these people have become a little family this group, so they all have something in common.
“It’s a lifeline for them. They can socialise and get out.”
Our clients are people that have dementia that live with their carers; sometimes the carers find themselves isolated as its very difficult for them – especially when it’s a husband or wife that is suffering.
“In our walking football sessions they can come and have a sense of normality as they are mixing with people who have very similar circumstances as themselves.
“They are out with us in all temperatures.”
Jean explained that the new funding is vital in keeping the walking football sessions going and how collaboration with Foundation 92 is vital.
“We are still running it but we are no longer getting financial support form an external source to continue the charity. We are using any form of funding that we can get.
“Foundation 92 are sports people, we came in to collaborate and help people with dementia as we are the specialists. They have learned a lot from us.”
Jean says the benefits of the sessions are clear: “There’s not many physical activities around that people with dementia can get involved in, we are one of the few!”
“They don’t play with rules and regulations because it’s difficult when you have dementia it’s about getting out and having a laugh and getting involved in physical activity.”
“It can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness.
“It’s been a difficult time for older people in our community during the pandemic, and our walking football program will be a great opportunity for older people to feel active and socialise in a safe and fun environment.
Sue Fletcher, Assistant Chief Executive at Age UK Salford said: “Being active is good for physical and mental health whatever your age and it’s especially important as we get older.
“It can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness.
“It’s been a difficult time for older people in our community during the pandemic, and our walking football programme will be a great opportunity for older people to feel active and socialise in a safe and fun environment.”
Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92 said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Age UK Salford to support residents in the community to live longer and healthier lifestyles. Foundation 92 is proud to be offering three new, free to access walking football activities, which we hope will cater for the needs of the whole community.
“Moving forwards, we will be looking to support service users to participate in semi-competitive local and regional competition, representing the City of Salford.”
VIDEO: https://youtube.com/shorts/sb9mojV8hm4?si=ryzZuY1mS6QwQ5JZ
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