Wolves Foundation are to expand their vitally important Molineux Memories project supporting people with dementia, increasing the number of participants and delivering sessions out and about in the local community.
Thanks to funding from the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association, the new Players’ Project Pilot will not only feature more sessions but also an increased presence from past and present Wolves players, across the men’s and women’s first teams and Academy.
There will also be a new respite group specifically for people caring for a loved one with dementia, offering them the opportunity for respite and to share experiences and advice with each other as part of a support network.
“We are delighted to have been successful with our application for funding from the Players’ Project Pilot and really appreciative of the support from the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association,” said Emily Boyle, senior older adults officer with Wolves Foundation.
“Molineux Memories has become such an important group for everyone involved, and we have conversations all the time with people who attend about the positive impact which it delivers.
“It has become such an important support network both for people with dementia and their carers, to come together and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat, as well as taking part in activities and welcoming visits from special guests.
“This new funding will help us expand the programme into the community and have even more impact, as well as being able to reach out to different demographics.
“Being able to involve more players from the club, past and present, is going to be a key part of Molineux Memories going forward, and the Senior Leadership Team from the men’s playing staff will be having more influence.
“It’s a really exciting step which will allow us to work with more people and find new and different ways to support people with dementia and their carers.”
Molineux Memories was launched in 2014 to support individuals with early-onset or diagnosed dementia, aiming to combat loneliness and isolation, improve mental health and wellbeing and foster connections through shared experiences.
Up until now, sessions have all been held at Molineux, including special activities such as quizzes and talks about memorabilia to try and support people with their cognition, as well as visits from special guests including past and present Wolves players.
The new funding will allow Molineux Memories to be delivered for the first time in care homes across the city for residents unable to travel due to health or mobility issues.
Over the last decade, so many people have benefitted from a project which offers such valuable support and tailored engagement on a weekly basis.
“Molineux Memories has become a lifeline for our family over the last few years,” says Cheryl, whose father George has dementia.
“The weekly sessions have provided invaluable support and friendship and each session brings joy and humour to our lives which at times are sad, as we navigate our way through the cruel disease of dementia.
“Activities vary each week and are delivered in a light-hearted and entertaining way and we have formed long lasting friendships with both other participants and staff.”
“As a wife and carer of someone living with Alzheimer's disease, I have found this group to be invaluable,” adds Alison, wife of Frank.
“It is such a help in reducing isolation, and each week there is a different activity and/or discussion about a wide range of topics, usually centred around football - but it's fine if you know little or nothing like me!
“One of the most beneficial aspects of Molineux Memories is being able to share my experience as a carer with others in a similar position and to be able to support each other.
“Sometimes we might be laughing, sometimes crying and occasionally just letting off steam.
“The staff at Molineux Memories understand and are so supportive - and if someone living with dementia does or says something unusual, it's just completely accepted, which is such a relief from the stress of being a carer.
“Our lives would be much poorer without this fantastic support group and we are so grateful that we are able to go.”
The new year-long Players’ Pilot Project has been launched by the Premier League and PFA with the aim of building stronger connections between players, football clubs and their local communities.
Fourteen professional football club charities and three player foundations are being supported to develop new initiatives that help tackle inequalities, raise aspirations and inspire positive change in communities across England and Wales.
"The Players' Project Pilot is a powerful initiative that places players at the heart of community work, allowing them to use their influence to make a real difference," said Nick Perchard, Premier League director of community.
"By combining players' passions with the proven delivery of professional football club charities, this funding will respond to local need and create meaningful impact that extends far beyond the pitch."
Anyone interested in finding out more about Molineux Memories can email emilyboyle@wolves.co.uk
