Foundation Launches Sporting Memories Programme

The first weekly session of the new Golden Memories programme launches on Friday, 21^st October from 12.30-3pm.

The Golden Memories sessions - funded in partnership with Premiership Rugby’s BreakThru programme and delivered as part of the Bristol Sport Foundation’s new Gold banner - will allow male and females aged 55 and over to not only reconnect with their sporting heritage through reminiscence, shared memories and object handling, but also to develop new community opportunities and social friendships.

Working to support older people across Bristol living with dementia, depression or other mental health issues, or who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation, these sporting memories sessions seek also to encourage participants into healthy social and physical activity as part of the programme.

This two-pronged approach is critical, with medical research and evidence suggesting that maintaining mental and physical wellbeing can stimulate memory recall and work towards preventing cognitive decline.

Delivered at Bristol Indoor Bowls Centre in Ashton Vale (BS3 2TY) alongside the Centre’s qualified coaches - 90 minute reminiscence sessions will be followed by 60 minutes of free coached bowls on the international standard indoor green.

Sessions will focus on national and local sporting icons and famous events, as well as local sports venues, teams and achievements. Images, sound, video and physical objects will be used to stimulate personal memories and stories in a multi-sensory way - from the roar of the crowd in the local stadium or the Grandstand theme tune, to the taste and smell of a half-time pie.

Sessions are FREE to all participants, with carers or partners very welcome to join also.

If you or somebody you know may be interested in joining this group please register your interest by contacting ktavender@bristolrugby.co.uk