A CITY group has chosen Worcestershire County Cricket Club as its latest dementia-friendly venue.
Worcester Dementia Action Alliance’s mission is to make Worcester more dementia-friendly and enable people to live fulfilled and independent lives for as long as possible.
Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, the county’s charitable cricket body which works with the club, hosts a popular Memories Café at the city’s Visit Worcestershire New Road every fortnight in the winter with a break over the summer.
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The alliance’s Jan Morris said: “The work and thought that the team at the cricket club have put into making the club as inclusive and dementia-friendly as possible is tremendous.
“Cheryl (Instan-Smith, safeguarding and EDI — equality, diversity and inclusion — lead) and Sophie (Marchbank, HR and business assistant) are committed to keeping this on the agenda, starting with the staff training this month.
“We have all walked the grounds mindful of potential hazards or challenges that somebody with dementia may experience and there is a commitment to minimise this as much as possible, creating a truly dementia-friendly space, inclusive of a quiet area individuals can access if required.”
A club spokesperson said: “At Worcestershire County Cricket Club we are proud to be working alongside Worcester Dementia Action Alliance to help improve and promote dementia-friendly spaces across Worcestershire.
“Through this collaborative effort we are committed to supporting people living with dementia and playing an active role in making a positive and lasting difference within our community.
“This work represents an important step forward for the club.
“From making practical improvements around our ground to investing in staff training and introducing clear, supportive signage, we are committed to creating an environment where individuals living with dementia feel safe, respected and able to enjoy their experience with us.
“This is more than just a project for us. It reflects our values as a club.
“We are dedicated to continuing this journey, raising awareness and helping to improve experiences for everyone affected by dementia.”
Open to all, the Memories Café provides a welcoming space for cricket enthusiasts and members of the community to come together, share stories and reminisce about the game’s rich history.
The initiative aims to foster social connection in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
The club is delighted to support this initiative which continues to bring people together through a shared love of cricket and cherished memories from years gone by.
For more information about upcoming sessions visit the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation website at worcestershirecricketfoundation.co.uk or email jacob.hockey@worcestershirecricketfoundation.co.uk.
