A Carlisle United Community Sports Trust volunteer has been recognised as a hero for his work leading United in Memories – dementia-friendly sessions hosted at Brunton Park.
Keith Ward was presented with the EFL Community Heroes pennant at Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Gillingham alongside other EFL Community Heroes Aydin Hussein, John Notman, Keith Richardson and Nataly Mason.
He said: “I am blown away with being nominated as an EFL Community Hero. I am chuffed to bits and incredibly touched.”
The United in Memories sessions offer opportunities for those living with dementia to experience a range of activities while providing an outlet for carers and families.
Starting at dementia-friendly group at the football club he has supported for 55 years had always been an aim for Keith.
He said: “It was something I thought we needed to do as a fan having been there with my mum who had dementia and one of my friends that came to the football also had dementia.
“Generally, in life, I thought it was something that was needed for as much as people with dementia and as much, maybe more for the families/carers because they need somewhere to go as well.
“I personally think it is a great thing, and I am absolutely over the moon about how well it has gone, it has turned out really popular.”
The sessions have blossomed into a key outlet for those affected by dementia in north Cumbria with over 50 people regularly attending the group, outgrowing two venues in the process.
As the sessions have developed, Keith thanked the club for their support in helping to facilitate sessions allowing them to use hospitality space and mentioned how club stuff regularly get themselves involved by helping out.
Carlisle United Football Club Community Supporters Trust provide suitable and stimulating activities like bingo or quizzes which help keep the mind active, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere and Carlisle United shirts, scarves and programmes from throughout the club’s history are also utilised in an attempt to spark memories of past moments for the participants.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “Community is a fundamental part of the EFL and its 72 clubs’ identity. The work undertaken by clubs has a hugely positive impact on the participants of the various programmes and in the towns and cities where people live.
“Football clubs are trusted in their communities, and this can help to remove barriers for accessing support. Clubs are successfully addressing challenges linked to health, wellbeing, education and employment as well as helping to keep communities connected.”
