off topic but a project I'm working on (which hopefully may also be coming to Bsly)

As some of you know I work in Disability Sport, but the brief for my recent projects has been expanded to include older people, and more specifically people with dementia.

I mainly work in Kirklees, and Wakefield, but if I can justify the time, I get to cover anywhere in the Yorkshire region.

We're looking into a "Sporting Memories" project for people with Dementia. Basically, we'll be providing "a museum in a box", on loan to Care homes, Dementia cafes, or organisations, that are offering services to people with Dementia.

The idea is that taking people back to a time in their past, helps stimulate conversation, and memories, even in very confused people. Similar projects have had dramatic effects on individuals, who have become enthusiastic, attentive, and happy as a result. At worst, it may stimulate chat between people with similar interests.

We're looking in particular at older men with dementia, who have become isolated, lonely and withdrawn. We are putting together some sporting memories boxes around football, rugby league, tennis, crown green bowls etc. (Anything really). The boxes need to include items which will help stimulate memories. So, for example the Rugby league themed box I saw today contained some really old boots (clean!), an old Dewsbury RLFC scarf, programmes, dvds player cards, and even a tin of linament. The boxes need to be multi-sensory. Sights, sounds, smells, touch etc.

So, the reason I'm posting this, is that It might (I say that guardedly) be coming to Barnsley; but also, to ask, if anyone has any good quality items of interest from the 50s/ 60s/ 70s around sport (not just BFC), that would fit in a box, and would help stimulate memories/ conversation, please let me know. We don't really need football programmes as we have tons of those, but feel free to PM me with details of any items you can donate, OR if you have parents/ family members / organisations interested. I can't promise alot for Barnsley myself, as I am funded by Kirklees Council, but I may be able to whip up a bit of support elsewhere. I think this is on the agenda with a couple of agencies in Barnsley, so if I receive stuff that is more suitable for Barnsley people then obviously I'll pass it on. I will be donating some of the general sports stuff I already have to projects in Barnsley if/ when they get up and running.

Anyway, that's the gist of it. PM me for details

 

Re: off topic but a project I'm working on (which hopefully may also be coming to Bsl

No, not yet, because I'm only in a position at the moment to run the project in Kirklees. However, I think other organisations are planning something for Barnsley. I'll post more when I know for sure that they are doing it.