Albion Foundation and NHS combine to promote mental health and wellbeing
THE Albion Foundation have teamed up with the NHS to create the 'Football Memories Group', an alternative programme for football fans suffering with Alzheimer's and Dementia.Delivered by Albion Supporters Club chairman John Homer, the group get together every Wednesday to help trigger memories from their years of supporting the Baggies.
With meetings held at The Hawthorns, participants can look out onto the pitch and reminisce about Albion in years gone by.
"Football is such an emotive medium. It can help people recall a specific moment in time," said Homer.
"We want to help people with Dementia and Alzheimer's remember all the good times they spent here watching the Albion."
As well as talking about their memories, participants are visited by ex-players and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
And Albion Foundation disability coach Chris Winston believes the club's participation is imperative to the success of the programme.
"The fact we can hold these sessions at The Hawthorns has an immediate impact on our participants.
"You can see what it means to them as they recall old matches and goals they have seen in the past which is something you may not get in a generic community setting."