“You don’t know how much it means for us to have a session like Molineux Memories.”
The words of Karen, carer for her husband David, with whom she attends the weekly sessions for people with dementia.
Molineux Memories is a group delivered by Wolves Foundation in partnership with the Black Country NHS Foundation’s OATS (Older Adult Therapeutic Service) programme, and has now been in operation for approximately eight years.
They cover a variety of topics at the sessions including open discussions, going through the Molineux Memories box filled with Wolves memorabilia, stadium tours and museum visits and welcoming former players.
Today (21 September) is World Alzheimer’s day, a global opportunity to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia.
Dementia affects memory, other cognitive functions, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The World Health Organisation says Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, causing 60-70% of all cases.
“I remember reading about Molineux Memories and dropping the Foundation an email as I thought it was something that David would love to come to,” says Karen.
“They said we could come along on the following Thursday, and I think we have only missed one session since.
“For the first few weeks, David wasn’t aware what it was that he was coming along to, but now it’s day of the week that he really looks forward to.
“He knows that he can come to the group and chat to everyone and just enjoy each other’s company.”
That sentiment is one which is most definitely echoed by David.
“I’m not being derogatory to Karen at all, but it’s nice to get in a group of people and have a chat,” he explains.
“I worked with a group of men for 50 years and I do miss it, so coming to Molineux Memories is something which really helps me.
“There is always so much going on, and it’s a great time to be involved.”
Molineux Memories is designed in such a way that people with similar interests attend sessions which they can enjoy in a friendly and social atmosphere.
“It’s good that they mix up the sessions, and it’s not doing the same thing every week,” adds Karen.
“They do the discussions and quizzes and just in talking to other people who were at Wolves matches during the same era, it stimulates David’s memory.
“You don’t know how much it means for us to have a session like Molineux Memories.”
There was a particularly special Molineux Memories session, when first team players paid a visit and led the participants in a game of player-related bingo.
Just for good measure, David and Karen actually won a prize!
“It was brilliant to have that interaction with the players,” added David, who also got the opportunity to congratulate Matheus Cunha on his first Wolves goal.
Megan Walters, senior health officer with Wolves Foundation, adds: “Molineux Memories continues to be a really important project in providing a space for people with dementia to get together and enjoy different activities and share experiences.
“The group has developed into its own little community, and the lovely words of Karen and David really bring home the impact which Molineux Memories can have.
“Their story is shared by so many others who have also said the same about the positive difference it has brought to their lives.
“Welcoming the players to a session was a particular highlight, and one which provided so much fun and entertainment to all of our participants.”
