SHINE have provided funding to the Memory and Later Life Service in Carlisle. The funding went towards different games like Snakes & Ladders, chess, dominoes, connect 4 and playing cards.

Recently SHINE Fund have provided funding to the Memory and Later Life Service in Carlisle. The service supports anyone who has new or suspected memory problem, including those with a diagnosis of dementia, and people in later life who have anxiety, depression or psychosis made more complex by physical health needs.

The funding went towards different games like Snakes & Ladders, chess, dominoes, connect 4 and playing cards. Also, other items for activities like light resistance bands, a parachute and table football. These have all been put to use in different groups and sessions like the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups, Recovery Throughout Activity groups and the Forget-me-not groups.

Roxanne, one of the support workers who run the CST group said:

“We’ve been so pleased with how these resources have supported our CST groups and 1:1 sessions with patients. They’ve helped bring energy and interaction into sessions, encouraging people to get up, move around, and take part in activities rather than sitting the whole time.

The maps have been a particular favourite, sparking conversations as people recognise places they’ve visited or lived, and identify different cities together. Games like the dart board, snakes and ladders, and giant dominoes have also been really valuable for encouraging activity and engagement, both in groups and at home.

It’s been wonderful to see how simple, creative resources can help people connect, reminisce, and stay active. They’ve made a real difference to our sessions and to the people we support.”