Bally and Foundation supporting Alzheimer carers

SAFC legend Kevin Ball attended a carers event at Seaham Town Hall last week to mark World Alzheimer's Day (21^st September). Kevin opened the event organised by Hospital of God for carers (and former carers) at Seaham Town Hall and chatted with guests, signing autographs and posing for photos. Foundation of Light’s Nicky Maycock also attended to highlight the support that the Foundation can offer both carers and those living with Alzheimer's through the Extra Time Hub programme. Extra Time Hub, run at the Beacon of Light every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm, gives over 55s access to a wide range of activities, outings and social gatherings. The aim of the project is to reduce social isolation and help older members of our community enjoy healthier, happier and more active lives. Activities undertaken in the programme since its launch in March include carpet bowls, new age curling, seated exercise and Pilates, ukulele playing, cooking, table tennis, netball and walking football. The Beacon of Light also hosts Walking Netball (10am Wednesdays), Walking Football (11am Thursdays) and Table Tennis for over 55s (12.30pm Thursdays). Speaking at the event Kevin said: “To come and support days like today, I love it. I’ve been out there and spoken to a lot of their carers support workers and whether it be family or friends, people actually care for other people, and days like today when they can bring them together and get support for themselves and each other as well, I think that’s brilliant.”

We have some carers who come to the hub for two hours and that’s their little bit of respite. It also works the other way around, we have someone who comes to us with Parkinson’s and it allows their partner to have two hours respite whilst the person they usually care for comes to us. Today we’re trying to get the message across to carers within the region that the Extra Time Hub can be a positive outlet for them and the people they care for.

Nicky Maycock, Foundation of Light Extra Time Hub Activator

Extra Time Hubs is a national project from the EFL Trust and gives people who are retired the opportunity to meet like-minded people and create activities for the group which could have a benefit to their physical and mental health. Studies show that 42% of those over the age of 55 are inactive. EFL Trust’s own research revealed many people would like the opportunity to meet peers to feel less isolated, live well and do things they enjoy. Extra Time Hubs are made possible with the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing Fund from the National Lottery. For more information contact Nicky Maycock at nicky.maycock@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 5634818