Northampton Saints Foundation is delighted to announce that its Memory Café initiative has secured funding to continue its vital work in tackling loneliness and social isolation. The much-needed programme will continue thanks to a generous £5,000 grant from the CareTech Foundation.
Since July 2023, Northampton Saints Foundation has successfully delivered eleven Memory Café sessions at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. The Memory Café is a welcoming and supportive social gathering designed for individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation, those living with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of dementia, along with their caregivers and loved ones.
The café provides a safe, comfortable environment where participants can engage in meaningful activities, share experiences, and enjoy social interaction without the stigma often associated with cognitive impairment. The sessions feature a range of activities, including music, art, games, and the opportunity to explore the stadium and learn about Northampton Saints’ rich history.
“The world of dementia is challenging,” said one Memory Café participant. “As a spouse and carer, although you are not alone, it is incredibly lonely. You are thrown into a situation that you know very little about or how to navigate. You put on a smile for friends and family, although the reality is a lot harder. That’s where community groups provide such support in these times. You meet people and build a network with those in similar circumstances, who understand what you are going through 24/7.”
Each session is led by the Foundation’s Wellbeing Lead, Dawn Bere, and organized by Heritage Lead, Clare Clarke. Both are delighted that the CareTech Foundation has chosen to generously support the Memory Café, ensuring it can continue to offer this important service.
Razwan Butt from the CareTech Foundation expressed his support for the initiative, saying: “The CareTech Foundation is proud to support the Memory Café initiative.
“This program has been a powerful positive influence, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to empower those experiencing loneliness and social isolation, particularly individuals living with memory loss and dementia.”
Razwan Butt, CareTech Foundation
“Through our successful collaborations with various partners on numerous projects, we have consistently seen that investing in environments that promote meaningful activities and social interaction greatly enhances the well-being of users and their wider circles of family, friends, and other social connections.
“Therefore, we view our funding for the Memory Café not just as an investment in the initiative itself, but as an investment in the broader community, which will continue to benefit from the positive impacts of this supportive hub.”
The importance of such community initiatives is highlighted by findings from the 2019 Age UK Loneliness and Covid-19 report, which indicates that the pandemic has significantly increased loneliness among older people. The report says that “pre-pandemic, 1.4 million older people were experiencing loneliness, with this figure expected to exceed two million by 2026 and that difficulties with physical and mental health often reduce older people's ability to participate in community activities and maintain meaningful relationships, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness.”
One participant, Chris H., whose husband has dementia, shared his gratitude: "You are really doing a fantastic thing here and each month that we have returned, it’s been like returning to a group that we've known for years. So, thank you to you and your team for always making us so welcome and making the whole experience uplifting!"
Northampton Saints Foundation looks forward to growing its partnership with the CareTech Foundation and building on the success of the Memory Café, continuing to provide much needed support to the local community.
