- Darren Campbell
Sports clubs in Warwickshire have gained valuable insight into how to support people with dementia through a free training session organised by Think Active.
Our Sport Welfare Lead Charlie Creed worked in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, Bowls England and Active Together to deliver the Dementia Friends session at Leamington Bowls Club on 30 April.
Welcoming members from bowls clubs around the area, the interactive session focused on deepening understanding of dementia and inspiring positive action within local communities.
"I truly believe everyone should take part in this session... A little understanding goes a long way.” "
Helen Lewis-Wall, Bowls England
In addition to exploring the signs of dementia and how clubs and organisations can make sport and physical activity more inclusive for those with the condition, attendees also heard from Slater Street Indoor Bowls Club in Leicester about how they had used these insights to improve their facilities and become more dementia-friendly.
Those who completed the training – including Charlie from Think Active – were recognised as ‘Dementia Friends’, as part of a broader initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society to increase understanding and awareness of dementia and inspire people to make a difference for those affected by the condition.
The event featured a range of activities including a talk from Leicester’s Slater Street Indoor Bowls Club
Helen Lewis-Wall, Disability Officer at Bowls England, said: “The Dementia Friends session is invaluable for anyone who has friends or relatives living with dementia. It shares simple yet powerful messages that help build understanding and compassion.
“Both of my parents lived with Alzheimer’s, and attending the Dementia Friends workshop helped explain many things I hadn’t fully understood before. It gave me clarity and a new perspective on their experiences.
“I truly believe everyone should take part in this session. You never know when dementia may touch your own life or the lives of those around you. A little understanding goes a long way.”
As the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, Think Active are able to help more local clubs and groups access the free Dementia Friends training. If your club or organisation would like to know more, please get in touch with Charlie by emailing hello@thinkactive.org.
Think Active provides a wide range of support for local sports clubs and groups delivering movement and physical activity, with resources and training opportunities available for areas ranging from safeguarding and environmental stability to mental wellbeing and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Find out more on our Club Hub.
