News

Exploring the benefits of Sporting Memories

Two Occupational Therapy students from Edinburgh Napier University have shared their experience of Sporting Memories, having undertaken a placement with some of our Scottish Clubs last year. 

Tanya Benson and Lorraine Murtagh, two MSc Occupational Therapy (OT) first-year students were invited along to some of our Clubs in Fife as part of an eight-week placement where they learned more about what our sessions involve and how they support older people.

During their time with Sporting Memories, they also undertook volunteer training as well as spoke to other Clubs across Britain to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of how to engage older people through the power of sports-based reminiscence and inclusive physical activities.

The start of their placement

Tanya and Lorraine were supported by our Scottish Community Club Coordinator Gary Waddell alongside other Sporting Memories staff and the club-specific volunteers, where they were guided through the structure of the sessions.

Despite being hesitant at first due to being self-confessed sporting novices, they were made to feel at ease thanks to the support of our team and over the weeks ingratiated themselves into the Clubs they regularly visited, providing them with the chance to truly assess how members enjoyed and benefitted from their time at the sessions.

Assessing the Impact of Sporting Memories

During their placement, Tanya and Lorraine observed how members were engaged with the activities provided during Sporting Memorie sessions, noting how volunteers and Club facilitators create a welcoming environment which allows older people to participate at their own pace, whilst allowing everyone to develop a meaningful contribution to the overall nature and impact of the group.

They also noted the importance of providing a space that gives members and volunteers alike a sense of purpose and community which ultimately benefits the mental wellbeing of those that come along regularly.

Reflections

In a blog post reflecting on their time with Sporting Memories, Tanya and Lorraine commented: “During our placement with Sporting Memories in Fife, we discovered the profound impact of how occupational therapy principles are embedded in reminiscence activities centred around sports. We found that engaging older adults in these meaningful activities not only promoted mental well-being and social inclusion but also enhanced our understanding of person-centred care.

“The placement reinforced our belief in the transformative power of meaningful occupations and the importance of addressing both physical and mental health in therapeutic settings.”

Chris Wilkins, CEO and Co-Founder of Sporting Memories, was grateful of the findings of the placement by the OT students, which will help to shape some of our future activities.

“We were pleased to welcome Tanya and Lorraine from Napier University to our Fife Clubs late last year and their experiences prove that our sessions provide a meaningful service to older people in local communities which has a positive impact on those that attend.”

Sporting Memories would like to thank Tanya, Lorraine and Edinburgh Napier University with their support through this placement.