Fulham Programme Article by Katie Haines

Living with Dementia

This season, as part of our Unite For Access campaign, we’re thrilled to introduce a new initiative designed to make matchdays at the Amex more accessible and enjoyable for supporters living with dementia. We understand the importance of football in connecting communities and providing joy, and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone, can experience the excitement of a Brighton & Hove Albion match.

For individuals living with dementia, attending a large event like a football match can sometimes present unique challenges.  The noise, crowds, and unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed bespoke Dementia Packs to provide additional support and peace of mind for both fans and their loved ones.

 

These packs are available to any supporter who feels they would benefit from them and are designed to make the matchday experience smoother and more comfortable. Inside each pack, you'll find several helpful items:

  • Personalised Lanyard: This lanyard displays the supporter’s name, seat number, and emergency contact details, ensuring quick identification and assistance if needed.
  • Hidden Disability Wristband: This discreet wristband signals to stewards and other staff that the wearer may require additional support without the need for a verbal explanation.
  • Accessible Stadium Map: This specially designed map highlights accessible entrances, toilets, and other key facilities within the stadium, making navigation easier and more straightforward.
  • Signposting to Aging Well: We’ve partnered with Aging Well, a fantastic local charity specialising in dementia support, and the pack includes information about their services for ongoing support and advice beyond matchday.
  • Herbert Protocol Form: This form allows carers to record vital information about the person they care for, which can be quickly shared with the police in the event they go missing.

We believe these packs will make a real difference in enabling fans with dementia to continue enjoying the Albion experience. Please contact Supporter Services, if you would like to request a pack, by emailing supporter.services@brightonandhovealbion.com

This initiative complements our existing work in supporting fans with dementia, including our popular Albion Memories sessions. These sessions, run by the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for individuals living with dementia and their carers to come together, share memories, and connect with fellow Albion fans.  Through engaging activities, Albion Memories fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping to combat social isolation and improve well-being.  The sessions are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the club and share stories from past matches, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of connection to the Albion family.  You can find more information about Albion Memories, including session times and how to get involved, by visiting the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation website at bhafcfoundation.org.uk/albion-memories/

We are incredibly proud to be launching these Dementia Packs as part of our Unite For Access campaign. We believe that football should be a game for everyone, and we are committed to creating a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all supporters at the Amex.  We encourage everyone to join us in supporting this important initiative and helping to make a positive difference in the lives of our fans living with dementia.

Katie Haines – Disability Liaison Officer – Brighton and Hove Albion FC