“All of a sudden he started remembering the first names of the Wolves players, and his wife, also his carer, was almost in tears.”
Powerful words relating to one of the participants at the weekly Molineux Memories sessions, delivered to support individuals with dementia.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, designed to raise awareness, challenge stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and encourage people to show their support.
The month of raising awareness also centres around Wednesday, September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day, which, within Wolves Foundation, shines a light on the Molineux Memories group which is the result of a partnership with the Black Country NHS team from Brooklands Health Centre.
Sessions are wide and varied including covering topics such as the Molineux Memories box filled with Wolves memorabilia, discussions, quizzes and stadium and Museum tours.
Senior health officer Megan Walters explains more.
“Molineux Memories is a programme for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s and their friends, family members and carers to come along and reminisce about all things Wolves,” says Megan.
“We have two different sessions, one run with the NHS and a second one as a Dementia Café involving several different activities.
“The sessions offer the opportunity for individuals with dementia to come and re-live their Wolves memories and we can talk about the club from the past right through to the present day, bringing all those memories to the sessions.”
Kevin, who attends Molineux Memories, says: “I find it really rewarding to come along and help people, and the sessions are very uplifting.
“I remember one occasion when I was showing a gentleman a programme which had the surnames of Wolves legends such as Wright, Flowers and Clamp.
“All of a sudden, he started telling me the first names – Bill, Ron and Eddie – and his wife, also his carer, was almost in tears at the thought of those memories coming back.
“I am sure there a lot of other people who could benefit from Molineux Memories, the staff are amazing and it really does bring those memories out of people.”
Ash has been bringing along brother Mahendra for the last three years, and says Molineux Memories ‘brings people together’.
“Since we first started coming this place has become like our home, because there is such a great feeling of togetherness with a group of people talking about football,” he says.
“We enjoy meeting new people, reminiscing about the past, and we also end up talking about lots of other things as well, not just football.”
“I love the people and it’s really nice to talk to the group,” adds Mahendra.
“I have been coming to Wolves in the South Bank since the 1970s and I really enjoy coming to Molineux Memories.”
Josie, who brings along husband Dave, highlights the importance of Molineux Memories not just for the person with dementia but also their loved ones.
“It’s such a fantastic group which is brilliant for the carers – nothing is too much trouble for the staff,” she says.
“I would bring Dave here seven days a week if I could!”
*Anyone wishing to find out more about Molineux Memories can email meganwalters@wolves.co.uk.
