Students from Ayrshire University’s Sport and Fitness course completed a training program with Dementia Friends, which enabled them to understand brain conditions and put together bespoke exercise programs for Alzheimer Scotland center users.
Dementia Friends is a national campaign aimed at tackling how people see and talk about dementia.
Students from Ayrshire University were keen to take part in the programme, ahead of a six-week placement at Alzheimer’s Scotland Center in Kilmarnock.
The University of Ayrshire’s work with Alzheimer’s Scotland is the latest work as part of the University’s award-winning Community Connections initiative to tackle inequalities and improve the quality of life for people in the Ayrshire community. is a completely sustainable project.
David Dougan, Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at Ayrshire University, said:
“Firstly, they attended a workshop with Scottish Alzheimer’s patient Mr Kilmarnock and gained a lot of knowledge about conditions such as dementia. Provided by Sheena Boyd.
“Every week, students planned and conducted exercise sessions to meet the needs of center users, which helped them improve their physical and mental health.”
Sheena Boyd, Alzheimer Scotland Center Manager, said: “Alzheimer Scotland Center Manager Sheena Boyd said: “After completing the Dementia Friends training, we were delighted that Ayrshire University Sport and Fitness students agreed to help us design and deliver a program tailored to the people we support.
“Carers and people with dementia took part in the program every Monday and Friday for six weeks, making a huge positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
“The final week was a celebration of the program, as we welcomed Chris Boyd and Rose Riley to our center and were presented with sporting equipment from the Chris Boyd Charities to help continue the program. was great.
“We are very grateful to everyone involved at Ayrshire University and the Chris Boyd Charity for this fantastic initiative, as continuing our work has so many benefits for people with dementia and their carers. , I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Cherryl Fulton, Active Schools Coordinator at East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities, said: “The partnership with Dementia Scotland has been invaluable to Ayrshire College Community Sports Hub. It involved a completely different group of customers to the Sports Hub, but it was very rewarding.”Students also benefited from the service Users too.
“Seeing the big smiles on the faces of the Silent Disco participants was priceless and I am proud to have been a part of creating memories for families. One great example is providing targeted efforts to individual groups within a community.
“We are grateful to the Chris Boyd Charity for funding the Bocce Kits. This means participants can continue with the games and sports they have learned with our students.”
Chris Boyd, former footballer and founder of the Chris Boyd Charity, said: “I am delighted that the charity can support such a fantastic partnership with Alzheimer’s Scotland, Ayrshire University and our vibrant community. Masu.
“We knew there was great work going on, but the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students was special.
“It’s truly amazing to see the difference this initiative makes, not just for participants, but also for staff and students.
“As a charity, we are doing everything we can to help and will continue to support this initiative.”
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