Launched by The FA and Alzheimer's Society in 2024, the ‘Support the Supporters’ campaign aims to increase awareness of dementia symptoms, while encouraging fans to support themselves or their loved ones when taking the first steps in seeking an all-important diagnosis.
Campaign branding will be visible at both St. James' Park and Kingston Park this Sunday, with Newcastle United and Newcastle United Women competing in respective home cup ties.
The third and rourth round of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup are landmark dates in the football calendar, also falling at a busy time for Alzheimer's Society. Calls to the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Support Line rose by 16% last January, with many people spotting changes in loved ones after returning home to visit family during the festive period.
Someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes, but at least one in three people are living with the condition without being diagnosed. A diagnosis allows more time to plan for the future and unlocks the door to treatment, care and support.
A recent survey revealed that 91% of people affected by dementia saw clear benefits to getting a diagnosis, with many wishing they’d received one earlier. The Alzheimer's Society's symptoms checklist provides information and advice on how to spot symptoms and seek support, while aiming to aid discussions with healthcare professionals.
To use the symptoms checklist and get further information, please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/sports.
THE MEMORY CAFÉ
Newcastle United provides ongoing support for locals living with life-changing cognitive conditions through the Memory Café, which has grown into the North East's biggest football drop-in session for those living with dementia and Alzheimer's.
The programme reunites attendees with past generations of Newcastle United players, using football to stimulate conversation through memories of games and goals from years gone by.
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 - plus the Freeman Hospital during the festive period - helping to engage its 4,000th participant.
Monthly sessions at St. James' Park have grown to support up to 100 individuals - along with their families - by combining football with the provision of referrals for medical assistance, should further support be required to those who attend.
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.
