It’s official – Swindon Town’s much-loved mascot Rockin’ Robin is now a Dementia Friend, along with a host of local football coaches, having taken part in a special training session.
The eight-strong group of Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust coaches took time off the pitch this week on Wednesday, 8th March to learn about dementia, which currently affects an estimated 2,300 people aged 65 and above in Swindon.
Trust Manager Jon Holloway, who took part in the session run by volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Society with the Council’s public health team, said: “It was a brilliant session and we all definitely learned a lot more about dementia which affects so many people’s lives. Our coaches come into contact with thousands of people of all ages, so it’s really important they know how people may be affected and, more vitally, learn how to help and support them.”
There are already around 3,500 Dementia Friends in the Swindon area, including more than 150 council staff and councillors, and it is hoped this number will continue to grow, as more people want to get clued up.
Junior Development Officer James Sims, aged 21, said: “I really enjoyed it and picked up some really useful tips on how to help put people who are living with dementia more at ease and make adjustments so they can keep enjoying football, both as a player and supporter. I didn’t realise that dementia isn’t just about losing your memory, so this was a real eye opener.”
Dementia is a disease of the brain, which affects the way people think, speak and do things. It affects people’s moods and motivations, particularly if the disease affects the part of the brain that controls emotions. Although there is no cure, there is medication and also lots of things people can do to reduce the impact and speed of its severity.
Becoming a Dementia Friend, a national initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society, gives people a little bit of information to help people living with dementia feel valued and included in their community. Swindon residents can also find out more about dementia and ways of coping with the condition at their local library, via The Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme. The 25 titles have been recommended by health experts and people with real experience of dementia.
Cllr Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Health and Social Care, said: “I’m delighted that Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust coaches and Rockin’ Robin have joined the scores of people in Swindon who are Dementia Friends. The more we’re all aware of and understand dementia, as individuals, businesses and part of the community, the greater support and empathy we can bring to those affected as well as their family and friends.”
To find out more about dementia and become a Dementia Friend, go online at www.dementiafriends.org.uk
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society services in Swindon, call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or email: [email protected]
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