Salford City FC Foundation has shared the story of Jackie and her husband Colin to show how its Dementia Friendly Walking Sports sessions support not only people living with dementia but the people who care for them.
The sessions are delivered in partnership with Age UK Salford and Trafford and support older adults to stay active and improve their physical and mental wellbeing through activity and sport. They welcome older adults, including people living with dementia and their carers.
Jackie, who lives with dementia, has attended regularly for several years. She first came on her own, but as her support needs have increased, Colin has started attending alongside her. What began as a way to support his wife has become something Colin enjoys in his own right: the sessions give him the chance to revisit football, his favourite childhood game, kicking a ball around and joining small games with other participants and staff. Away from the pitch he joins in with sudoku, anagrams and the occasional game of pool.
As Jackie's carer, Colin values the chance to spend a little time doing the things he enjoys, knowing she is supported by the team. The Foundation says the sessions offer him a welcome break from caring responsibilities while allowing the couple to spend time together in a relaxed social setting, and give him opportunities to keep physically active, build friendships and find support and connection with others.
Ruby Williams, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Salford City FC Foundation, said: "Our Dementia Friendly Walking Programme targets much more than improving physical activity alone. Our sessions promote physical and mental wellbeing, improve social connections, and provide a comfortable environment for all. The benefits from these sessions are not only seen in participants, but also their carers and loved ones."
She added: "It's incredible to watch Jackie tackle hand-eye coordination and balance games. She's always happy to give things a go, with a warm cup of coffee for her hard work afterwards! It's great to see how much Colin enjoys the sessions. He is never one to turn down a kick around with a ball, with the pitch giving him a space where he can focus on his own health, wellbeing and identity."
The Foundation says Jackie and Colin's experience highlights the value of creating spaces where people can take part at their own pace, enjoy familiar interests and feel part of a community.
For the sport for good sector, it is a reminder that dementia-friendly provision works best when it is built for carers as well as for the people they look after. Details of the programme are at https://salfordcityfcfoundation.org/our-work/health-wellbeing/dementia-walking-sports/
Source: Salford City FC Foundation, 20 October 2026
https://salfordcityfcfoundation.org/news/jackies-story-finding-connection-through-dementia-friendly-walking-sports/