A SERIES of reminiscence groups for people with dementia has been awarded £10,000 from the National Lottery to develop the scheme across the district.

Memory Tree – set up by Dr Elizabeth Anderson in 2012 – incorporates Time Together-Time Apart, which provides tailored activities for people with dementia and respite sessions for their carers.

There are currently groups in Keighley as well as Shipley, Idle, Low Moor and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Dr Anderson said: “The lottery funding will help us sustain the memory clubs we are already running and hopefully open new ones, using a local partnership model we used with Burley Dementia Action Group last year. We worked with them to help get the group up and running, and they take responsibility for running it in the long term.”

Burley Dementia Action Group went on to win the Dementia Friendly Community of the Year category at the Alzheimer’s Society Awards last November.

Memory Tree takes the format of informal get-togethers and hands-on activities, to stimulate discussion and spark memories. The reminiscence group meets in one room while carers get together for peer support in another.

“It’s a chance for carers to share experiences and help each other through the maze of finding the right care,” said Dr Anderson.

The Idle carers group is led by Chris McDermott, whose late wife had dementia. He got involved with Memory Tree after spotting a voluntary opportunity advertised in the press.

“I lost my wife to dementia nine years ago. I had a stroke while I was looking after her, brought on by the stress,” he said. “After she died I had depression. I know what carers are going through. This group offers a supportive, comforting environment where people can share experiences and talk through problems.

“It helps to know you’re not alone. Some people break down, it’s a chance to offload and open up. It’s an hour of respite.

“It’s about fun and friendship too. There are tears and laughter in the carers group, we’re like a little family.”

Dr Anderson would like to hear from organisations interested in starting a memory club in their area.

“If anyone wants to work with us on this they should get in touch. Enquiries from groups in the Thornton, Clayton and Denholme areas would be especially welcome,” she said.

The Keighley group meets at the Shared Church Hall on the second and fourth Friday of each month, from 1.45pm to 3.30pm.

For more information call Dr Elizabeth Anderson on 01274 583364, e-mail elizabeth@brainscapes.co.uk or visit thememorytree.org.uk.