Golden Memories, funded by the Premier League and PFA, is a reminiscence programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia, is making a real difference in the local community.
The programme, delivered every week at Vicarage Road by Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust, uses Watford FC memorabilia and moments to evoke memories. Exercises and games are integrated into the programme as well to maintain physical activity.
According to WHO, currently, more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. It is widely observed that there is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care.
"Often people with dementia feel very vulnerable, they feel forgotten, they feel lost," says Hannah Foster, Watford CSE Trust older adults project officer.