Support for dementia group through Be the Change

A group supporting people with dementia and their carers has received a funding boost from Teesside University’s Be the Change workplace giving scheme.

Staff across Teesside University have been donating the spare pennies from their monthly salaries to Be the Change, to help provide grants to local organisations which are nominated by contributors.

Since launching last year, a range of charities, community groups and support clubs across the region have benefited. The next round of recipients includes Young at Heart ULO, which offers activities and social opportunities for people living with dementia across Stockton and surrounding areas.

Activities offered by volunteer-run Young at Heart ULO include a weekly Musical Memories group, along with peer support sessions for carers, and a range of cognitively, socially, physically, and creatively stimulating activities. The group also organises regular ‘reminiscence rides’ on a special trishaw, to transport people with dementia back to their old neighbourhoods.

Alison Watson-Shields, Young at Heart Director, said: “It’s great to see the reaction of people when we take them back to their old stomping grounds. We run a variety of activities and social groups across Stockton, Billingham and Thornaby.

“Dementia can be an isolating condition and for those experiencing hearing loss too, that sense of isolation can be far greater. We will be using the funds provided by Be the Change to purchase a hearing loop system to ensure that all of our members can be active participants in each and every one of our activities and sessions.”

Angela Wood, Volunteering & Work Experience Officer with the University’s Student Futures team, said: “Young at Heart is among organisations supported by Volun-tees, which supports staff, students and recent graduates who are wanting to get involved in volunteering activities.

“I was lucky enough to visit the dementia hub in Thornaby with one of our student volunteers during one of the social sessions, to hand deliver some Easter Cards that a group of our student volunteers had designed and made as part of a Do Good, Feel Good Project and it was great to see the brilliant work that Young at Heart ULO do.

“They have a big focus on music and singing, which has be proven to help awaken lost memories in people with dementia and they aim to create soundbites and playlist for all of the members of their social group.

“On finding out about the struggles they were having with their broken sound system, I really wanted to be able to help them reach their target to purchase a new loop system, which will be a massive benefit for the group and their families.”

In addition, Young at Heart ULO are so supportive of our students who volunteer at the Dementia groups and they are also able to offer invaluable Dementia training and courses to the students which will be a great benefit to them in their future careers.

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