Award nod for Hampden-based football memories project

Nominated in the ‘Most Innovative Partnership’ category, the shortlisting recognises Football Memories Scotland’s collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland to deliver vital community reminiscence work, helping people living with dementia in Scotland.

If successful, this award would represent the second major accolade this year for Football Memories Scotland.

In May, the Scotland-wide Football Memories Volunteer Network was recognised with the Volunteer Team of the Year Award at this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards organised by M+H Media.

Headquartered at The National Stadium Hampden Park, the Football Memories Scotland project is a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, currently operating more than 200 groups across Scotland.

Since its conception in 2009, the Football Memories Project has produced a range of resources including packs of cards, DVDsand memory boxes, as well as a digital resource website with over 7,000 images enabling facilitators to personalise reminiscence for individuals.

It has recently created a certification scheme to provide training for project volunteers and care home staff. Alzheimer Scotland provides vital advice and support with a significant number of their staff running reminiscence groups in different parts of Scotland.

Robert Craig, chair of the Scottish Football Museum and chair of Sports Heritage Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Scotland’s Dementia Awards.

“It is particularly pleasing to be recognised in the ‘Most Innovative Partnership’ category as the Football Memories Project has been a pioneering collaboration between the Scottish Football Museum and Alzheimer Scotland since it first started in 2009.”

Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s chief executive, on behalf of the partners, said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the great achievements of projects and teams involved in dementia care and support across Scotland.

“We are thrilled to see so many positive collaborations taking place, helping to address stigma, break down barriers and ensure that nobody faces dementia alone.

“We look forward to celebrating the work of all our finalists and winners on the day.”