I am absolutely delighted that Tony Jameson-Allen and Chris Wilkins have won Points of Lights awards for their ‘Sporting Memories’. Tony and Chris, from Topcliffe, are using the power of famous sporting moments to start conversations with people with dementia. Their initiative, ‘Sporting Memories’ records well known sports men and women talking about their favourite moments from the sports they love and shares them in community groups for people with dementia, depression and loneliness. The films, which feature household names such as Sir Steve Redgrave, help people connect with their past, reawaken positive memories and provide a route in to wider conversations. The groups also include activities such as sport themed cognitive therapy, and physical activity.
The charity was awarded ‘Best National Dementia Friendly Initiative’ in 2014. Tony and Chris were recommended for a Point of Light after the Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch, visited a session in April 2018.
It's a great initiative and I have seen for myself how well it works and the positive results that it achieves. Unfortunately dementia, depression and loneliness often go hand in hand and, as a sports enthusiast myself, I can’t think of a better way of addressing it.
Congratulations to them both.