Ending Loneliness campaign update: How sharing memories could end loneliness in our district

Part of the national Sporting Memories Network, the Sporting Memories group aims to alleviate loneliness and combat the effects of dementia and depression.

The first meeting of the Harrogate district’s Sporting Memories group, running in partnership with North Yorkshire Sport, Harrogate Town AFC, North Yorkshire Libraries and Over the Rainbow Care, will be held at St Mark’s Church on January 13.

Attendees can bring along sports memorabilia and share with the group their own interests in sport and their memories associated with them.

Tony Jameson-Allen, Co-founder and Director of the Sporting Memories Network, said: “Sport is a language that so many of us share, it unites people and brings us together.

"People living with dementia can have reduced social circles, and we find that the groups often help to form friendships for people."

Glyn Robins, who attended a taster session for the group, said: “I have always been interested in sport right from my early days, and when you have completed your sporting years, your interest doesn’t stop there and you still have a great appreciation of sport.

"I found the session really interesting and friendly, and I want to go along to the group when it starts up.”

Anyone interested in joining the group, or volunteering to help out, should email: [email protected]

The Sporting Memories Network’s Replay Sport App encourages people to upload and share their favourite sporting memories. Why not ask an older neighbour or relative what their favourite memory is and post it on the app?

We would love to hear the memories you share to end loneliness. Email: [email protected]