World Alzheimer's Day

'Everton's dementia sessions give us a lot of fun'

21 Sep 2023
Everton Pass on the Memories v2

Find out how the Pass on the Memories programme is providing vital support and connections to the local community

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To mark World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September, we are highlighting how Premier League clubs reach out and engage with people living with dementia and carers in their local communities.

Everton

The Pass on the Memories programme run by Everton in the Community, Everton's charitable foundation, has been in place since 2013.

The weekly sessions at the Blue Base venue use interventions such as sporting reminiscence workshops, visits to places of interest, sessions on dancing and singing as well as arts and crafts to keep brain activity at a high level.

"Coming out and chatting to people outside of the family takes us out of our comfort zones but it's a lot of fun and that's why we look forward to it," says Sheila Connor, who has attended the sessions with husband Pat.

"The sessions are an absolute life saver. We have entertainment and most importantly, it gets us out of the house and we meet with other people and have different conversations."

The importance of the Pass on the Memories programme was emphasised when it resumed in-person sessions in 2021 after an 18-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that time, familiar faces had sadly passed away but the programme was there to provide much-needed comfort.

Pat Dunne is a programme participant who attended with her late-husband Eric.

"When Eric died they were there," she says. "They sent a big bouquet of flowers.

"It made me feel good to know that even though we hadn't seen each other for such a long time, they were still thinking about me. It meant a lot, it really did."

Also in this series

Part 1: 'Watford's dementia support is a lifeline'
Part 3: How Burnley support those living with dementia
Part 4: Premier League clubs show support for World Alzheimer's Day

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