WORCESTER Warriors Rugby Club will host dementia-friendly fixtures this year as part of its allegiance to the Dementia Action Alliance.
The Sixways side recently announced their support to the group, along with Worcester City Council, the University of Worcester and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to pledge to make the city a friendlier place for people living with dementia.
As part of the support, the club will provide a dementia bus outside the stadium on certain matchdays, which will offer advice and support to people living with dementia and their families.
The club also announced it is looking to identify people who are experiencing the onset of dementia at a younger age, who would be interested in participating in mixed ability rugby games.
Approximately 1,131 people in Worcester have dementia, which is expected to increase to 1,725 by 2030.
The city council recently interviewed a number of people who have dementia, as well as those who care for someone living with the condition, to hear what action they would like to see take place.
Coun Lynn Denham, chair of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance, said: “The people we interviewed wanted to see better transport facilities for people living with dementia in Worcester, and also more seats in public areas in and around the city.
“They were also keen to see more entertainment on offer in a dementia-friendly environment at local theatres and cinemas. The number of people living with dementia in Worcester is steadily increasing, so we need to take action now to adapt to their needs.”
Simon Northcott, Warriors BME and disability leader, said: “These fixtures will be designed to give people living with dementia, as well as their carers and family, the support they need to enjoy games in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.”
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