OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME
Our Sporting Memories project started in 2019 when we saw an opportunity to utilise Wales’s passion for sport and rich history, to help tackle some of the biggest issues in the local area -dementia, isolation and loneliness.
Sporting Memories began with six people in a room at Dunvant RFC back in 2019 and has grown rapidly ever since. With support from our principal partner, Philtronics, and the local health board, we now have 200 participants weekly across seven local rugby clubs with an estimated social return of circa £3m.
We work with partners from across the region , Alzheimer's Society, Age Cymru, Swansea/NPT Carers Centre, SBHB Occupational Therapy and The Dementia HWB. Using community facilities to host the clubs, we have been able to achieve a friendly, sociable and relaxed environment where people can build friendships and share experiences. With a cup of tea in hand, attendees are able to reminisce to talk about sport, maybe a game they once played in, a great match they witnessed, or even meeting a famous sports star from the past. Sporting Memories last a lifetime.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME & CURRENT STATUS
7 Clubs running across Swansea/Neath Port Talbot:
• Loughor RFC
• Ynystawe CC
• Neath RFC
• Swansea RFC
• Dunvant RFC
• Skewen RFC
• Aberavon Green Stars RFC
Last six months:
SESSION ATTENDEES 176 SESSIONS 25 REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS 398 HOURS OF DELIVERY 2414
ENGAGEMENTS
300+
UNIQUE
TESTIMONIES FROM COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS
“Since attending one of 'Osprey's in the Community sessions', I can honestly say that it has 'enhanced the lives our gentlemen immensely'.
From the very first time we walked into the venue, we were greeted with big smiles and a warm welcome from each member of the team. Over the following weeks, each resident has built a bond with the team and look forward to their weekly sessions.
Joining the Ospreys’ session gave us the opportunity to meet other people in the community. This led to us making new friendships and having a good time each week. The group feels like a 'mini community' and we all support each other in different ways.
The sessions are fun, friendly and do bring out the competitive side of you. They also have the added bonus of being good for one's mental health and wellbeing. Thank you so much Helen (and her valued team) for all the hard work that you do in the community.”
-Carehomeactivitiescoordinator
“Arguably the best community initiative that our club has involved itself in. Numbers are growing every week, and you can tell the enjoyment by laughter and buzzing atmosphere.”
-YnystaweCC
“
FROM THE SESSIONS HAD THIS TO SAY:
“As a family we appreciate everything about Sporting Memories, it’s as if it was designed for our mum and dad…..their Tuesday afternoons are invaluable…our mum gets a chance to talk to others in similar situations and dad gets to talk about his memories and have them valued in a way that doesn’t happen to often these days’.”
“These clubs are amazing, the only day of the week that my partner will get out of bed. I regard all the staff as friends. I work full time as well as care for my partner, I request a Wednesday as a non-working day so I can attend with him”
“Ospreys Sporting Memories has been a godsend to my wife and I. It has given us the chance to talk with like minded people”
“This is a lifeline for us, it’s changed everything”
“For my husband it’s an opportunity to chat about sport. My husband lives with depression, I never thought I’d find something for us to do together, this fills our week”
‘My mental health would not have survived caring for my father if we hadn’t had the opportunity to attend these groups. Long may this continue”
“It’s so rewarding to see people with such sadness in their lives being able to forget their troubles”
481 SESSIONS
25 REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS
8
WEEKLY GROUPS RUNNING 2 HOUR SESSIONS
7,420 SESSION ATTENDEES
640 QUIZZES & GAMES
6,936
CUPS OF TEA
471 LIVES CHANGED
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0btl47z Scrum V video
