Dedicated Rovers' fixture helps Club Doncaster Foundation promote services to highlight dementia awareness

Saturday’s Doncaster Rovers fixture against Chesterfield saw both Club Doncaster Foundation and Rovers’ highlight dementia awareness.

Foundation staff were based in and around the James Coppinger West Stand during the pre-match activities, speaking to fans about the Keep In Mind Walk & Talk sessions held at the Eco-Power Stadium every Tuesday, handing leaflets out. 

CEO, John Davis and Health & Wellbeing Officer, Maia Smith, were joined in hospitality by funders NHS South Yorkshire ICB, Age UK and the Alzheimer’s Society, who got the chance to promote their services alongside those of the Foundation to those in attendance at the game.  

John spoke within the Jibba Jabba Restaurant prior to kick off, about the services that the Foundation offers to those with dementia or closely affected by someone with dementia, within the Doncaster community. 

“It was great to use the footprint of a Doncaster Rovers matchday to raise awareness for dementia. We had a lot of support from our Keep In Mind partners, the ICB, Age UK & the Alzheimer’s Society, all who are working with us to deliver vital support to people within Doncaster, which is really appreciated and hopefully we can get the awareness out there.”

Maia promoted the services once again at half time to those in attendance at the game, alongside the story of Ray and Jackie, who’s lives have been positively impacted through the weekly Walk & Talk session, highlighting the work that the Foundation does. 

Inspired by a Rovers-supporting relative with dementia, supporter liaison officer Dean Medcalf designed a lanyard which carries key information in case the fan is separated from their carer. It also contains Rovers facts to help spark conversation and act as a memory aid for the supporter. 

“We want to make sure that our football stadium is safe for those with dementia, so they feel safe in coming along, but also to make the families feel more comfortable with them coming aswell. 

These new lanyards will help us put protocols in place to help support these fans if they feel lost, support them, and get them back to where they feel safe.”

Kerry Francis, Client Journey Manager for the Keep In Mind service at Age UK., spoke of how vital services within the local community are for individuals and families: “It’s massively important for people living with dementia and their carers and wider support networks. Just knowing that they’ve got that support and being able to access services. 

“Without knowing that these services and support are out there, can be quite isolating for someone, so being able to link them into services and support network like the Walk and Talk sessions here.”

Karen Tooley, Senior Transformation Manager at the NHS South Yorkshire ICB touched on how beneficial awareness match days can be for those within Doncaster.

“I think days like this are really superb and it’s really important to make sure that people who suffer with this disease and their carers still have the opportunity to make sure that they pursue things that they love, that they’re really interested in, and the more that we can make sure that that happens, the longer they can enjoy these things and feel important. 

“So if someone has really followed Doncaster and football, then it’s really important that they continue to do so and their diagnosis shouldn’t stop that.”

Regional manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, Michael White, described how regular activities can really support individuals and carers throughout their lives. “These services are fantastic for people to get together, share stories, help support each other and just be with other like minded people. 

“It’s particularly helpful for carers, seeing their loved ones who suffer with dementia meeting other people and taking part in a variety of activities, continuing to enjoy their life. 

“Football is a great connection for many families and many people. It’s a really great environment for people, it holds fond memories, just to talk about sports and reminisce and really helps people’s wellbeing. It’s fantastic.”

The weekly Keep In Mind Walk & Talk sessions delivered by the Foundation, take place every Tuesday at the Eco-Power Stadium from 11am-2pm, which includes the chance to catch up with attendees, take part in chair based exercises, enjoy a stroll around the lake and a number of games of bingo. 

Please contact the team at fitrovers@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk to find out more about these services we offer and how we can support you and your loved ones, suffering with this disease.