Created in 2019, the Memory Café has established its place as the North East’s biggest football drop-in session for those living with life-changing illnesses such as Dementia and Alzheimer's.
The programme reunites attendees with past generations of Newcastle United fan favourites including Bob Moncur, Malcom Macdonald and John Anderson, using the power of football to stimulate conversation through memories of games and goals from years gone by.
Monthly sessions have grown to support up to 80 individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease - along with their families - by combining football with the provision of referrals for medical assistance, should further support be required to those who attend.
The club demonstrated its commitment to continue growing the initiative by taking the Memory Café on the road for the first time in 2024, visiting care homes around the community, which helped the programme to support its 4,000th participant.
As part of a strive to leave a legacy which marks World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, a goal of engaging the 5,000th Memory Café member has been set for the next 12 months.
Speaking at August's Memory Café session, Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson said: "The Memory Café is something I’ve been involved in since its inception. Especially having witnessed my own mother go through dementia, I have found it such a wonderful initiative.
"The most rewarding aspect is seeing the glint in people's eyes when they walk through the doors here at St. James' Park and memories from 40/50 years ago come flooding back. It's a bit surreal when they start telling you about coming here as a kid and the players they watched.
"I think the sessions are so valuable for families as well. It’s heartwarming to witness the reaction of family members as a loved one relives happier times, reflecting on memories of matches which brought them such joy.
"It’s great that the club is bringing happiness into the lives of many people within the community, through such a supportive programme."
The Memory Café forms part of the club's promise to work with the community, supporting a number of inclusion projects through Newcastle United's United As One commitment.
Each session is free-to-attend and people can register their interest by contacting the club on [email protected] or telephone via 0191 201 8407.
