Sports memories scheme launches in Sudbury area to help people living with dementia or loneliness

A sports-inspired initiative designed to support individuals living with dementia, depression or loneliness, is being staged in Sudbury and the wider area.

Funded by the National Lottery and Babergh District Council, the scheme will encourage people aged 50 and over to reminisce about their fond memories of sports through a series of sessions.

A collection of iconic images, along with newsletters, films and a range of memorabilia, will be incorporated into the workshops as part of the Sporting Memories project to encourage people to socialise.

Each workshop will feature refreshments followed by a session of gentle exercise. The sessions, which are free to attend, will take place in Sudbury, Long Melford, Lavenham and Glemsford.

Following the project’s launch last week, Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for communities, highlighted the benefits of the scheme.

“Sport brings us all together and recalling memories is great for the body and soul, whether over a pint or cup of tea with friends or as an icebreaker,” he said.

“We’ve seen some really wonderful projects fight rural isolation in Babergh, from the Rural Coffee Caravan to Together Tuesdays, and I’m delighted to welcome Sporting Memories to the area.

“We all have great sporting moments indelibly carved into our memories and using these to connect people is an outstanding idea that I am certain will create new groups and new friendships throughout our district.”

Further details of the sessions will be available online. Go to www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com and follow the links.