“You don’t know how much it means for us to have a session like Molineux Memories.”
The words of Karen, carer for her husband David, with whom she attends the weekly sessions for people with dementia.
Molineux Memories is a group delivered by Wolves Foundation in partnership with the Black Country NHS Foundation’s OATS (Older Adult Therapeutic Service) programme, and has now been in operation for approximately eight years.
They cover a variety of topics at the sessions including open discussions, going through the Molineux Memories box filled with Wolves memorabilia, stadium tours and museum visits and welcoming former players.
This week is Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer Society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign, offering the chance to shine a light on the positive impact Molineux Memories can have on people living with dementia and their loved ones.
“I remember reading about Molineux Memories and dropping the Foundation an email as I thought it was something that David would love to come to,” says Karen.
“They said we could come along on the following Thursday, and I think we have only missed one session since.
“For the first few weeks, David wasn’t aware what it was that he was coming along to, but now it’s day of the week that he really looks forward to.
“He knows that he can come to the group and chat to everyone and just enjoy each other’s company.”
That sentiment is one which is most definitely echoed by David.
“I’m not being derogatory to Karen at all, but it’s nice to get in a group of people and have a chat,” he explains.
“I worked with a group of men for 50 years and I do miss it, so coming to Molineux Memories is something which really helps me.
“There is always so much going on, and it’s a great time to be involved.”
Molineux Memories is designed in such a way that people with similar interests attend sessions which they can enjoy in a friendly and social atmosphere.
“It’s good that they mix up the sessions, and it’s not doing the same thing every week,” adds Karen.
“They do the discussions and quizzes and just in talking to other people who were at Wolves matches during the same era, it stimulates David’s memory.
“You don’t know how much it means for us to have a session like Molineux Memories.”
There was a particularly special Molineux Memories session held recently, when first team players Diego Costa and Matheus Cunha paid a visit and led the participants in a game of player-related bingo.
Just for good measure, David and Karen actually won a prize!
“It was brilliant to have that interaction with the players,” added David, who also got the opportunity to congratulate Cunha on his first Wolves goal.
Megan Walters, senior health officer with Wolves Foundation, adds: "Molineux Memories continues to be a really important project in providing a space for people with dementia to get together and enjoy different activities and share experiences.
"The group has developed into its own little community, and the lovely words of Karen and David really bring home the impact which Molineux Memories can have.
"Their story is shared by so many others who have also said the same about the positive difference it has brought to their lives.
"Welcoming Diego Costa and Matheus Cunha to a session was a particular highlight, and one which provided so much fun and entertainment to all of our participants."
Dementia Action Week encourages people who are concerned that they or someone they know may be experiencing dementia symptoms to seek further help.
This year’s focus is around increasing diagnosis rates, as, following a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever, research has been undertaken to understand the key barriers and benefits to getting a diagnosis.
As well as the misconception around memory loss just being part of getting old, research found being in denial, and referral times to specialists, are big barriers for those experiencing symptoms to seek a diagnosis.
Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but the charity believes it’s better to know. During Dementia Action Week, more healthcare professionals will be involved to help build on the success of the charity’s symptoms checklist which can be accessed by clicking here.
