A CHARITY that helps people use sporting memories to tackle loneliness, depression and dementia is going from strength to strength.

It uses the traditional idea of reminiscence activities - memory games - to bring like-minded people together to discuss their love of sport.

And now the Sporting Memories Network in Northallerton has received a gift of specialist equipment from a local manufacturer.

The charity, founded by former psychiatric nurse Tony Jameson-Allen and business partner Chris Wilkins, holds drop-in sessions at Northallerton library every Thursday between 11am and noon.

Anyone aged over 50 is welcome to come along and share memories and memorabilia or play sport and enjoy refreshments with new friends.

Now it has been boosted by a donation of a set of Bowlsparc equipment from Thirsk-based Factory Eleven, a business that delivers equipment designed to develop key fundamental skills across a number of sports.

“We’re delighted to receive this eye-catching set of therapeutic bowling equipment and we will use it with the group to help break down barriers as well as rekindling an interest in playing sport as well,” said Mr Jameson-Allen.

“This is so important as it also regenerates social skills and tackles issues around poor physical fitness and obesity.”

Sporting Memories in Northallerton is being funded by the local clinical commissioning group, whose clinical development lead for dementia is Ken Bibbings.

She said: “Activities such as these engage those experiencing dementia and their families and carers and support them to live well.

“On behalf of the commissioning group I am really keen to hear thoughts about local memory services to enable us to develop first class services for the future across Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby.”

The county council’s executive member for adult health, Cllr Clare Wood, said: “Whether it is rugby league, football, boxing or athletics, by using old photographs, newspaper articles and memorabilia, discussion can help once-isolated people forge new friendships.

“One of our council priorities is to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, promote their independence and help them plan and maintain their social networks, as well as supporting their carers and I am delighted that these sessions are underway at Northallerton library.”

For more information or to arrange to drop in email laura.dinning@northyorks.gov.uk or phone 01609-534812.

*On September 10 there is an Open Session event at the library at 11am where anyone is welcome to share sporting memories and bring along or donate any memorabilia they may have.