Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s ‘In Touch’ club for people living with dementia run in partnership with the Leeds City Council Peer Support Service ran a special session in the build up to national Dementia Awareness week with a guest appearance from members of the Leeds Rhinos Heritage Committee.
The session included talks from Phil Holmes, brother of the late John Holmes and Bernard Shooman from the committee, who discussed the 1957 and 1977 Challenge Cup finals in line with the club’s recent 40th and 60th anniversary celebrations.
The ‘In Touch’ club, which has been running at the club since 2015, meets once a month to provide an afternoon of reliving fond memories of Rugby League at different locations around Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Healthy Lifestyles Officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation Laura Buckle, who coordinates the visits with Leeds City Council commented on the importance of raising awareness of dementia and the success of the service:
“As a foundation it’s very important for us to provide services for older groups and we are pleased to be able to work with Peer Support Service to assist people living with dementia and their partners.
“Sessions like today’s highlight the importance of not only regular interaction and the chance to socialise with peers but how locations like Headingley can provide some fond memories and enjoyment for our visitors.
“I’d like to thank our heritage committee and guest speakers Phil Holmes and Bernard Shooman for providing a fantastic journey back in time to two treasured finals in the club’s history which definitely provided some really engaging discussion for the group.
The 'In Touch' Club is accessible via referrals to the Leeds City Council's Peer Support Service directly, for more information visit http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Dementia-care.aspx