Widnes Vikings and Community Integrated Care host dementia support event

Widnes Vikings and Community Integrated Care will be hosting the second Chemics Café on Wednesday 6^th July at the Select Security Stadium. The Chemics Café is a unique free monthly event that aims to support people who live with dementia and their loved ones, by giving them practical advice as well opportunities to socialise, have fun and reminisce about special Widnes Vikings moments.

Sessions are led by Community Integrated Care’s specialist dementia team and the Vikings Sports Foundation. Every event features contributions from a Vikings legend and dementia specialists, who give people vital advice to support living well with the condition.

The forthcoming session session, taking place from 11am – 12.30pm, will give guests the opportunity to try Tai Chi, enjoy rugby based activity sessions and tour the stadium with the club’s latest star signing – Jack Buchanan, and also pick their rugby league dream team with former player Joe Argent. They will also have the opportunity to learn about Playlist for Life, which uses music to help people who live with dementia to connect with their treasured memories.

The event is specially tailored to be accessible to people with a range of needs – whether you are a family carer, live with dementia, or have been affected by the condition in any way. The event is also open to people who do not have a direct connection with dementia and simply want to take part, as well as people who are not rugby league fans.

The sessions are co-planned with Eddie Cunningham, who played 67 games for Widnes, a
s well as representing Leeds, St Helens, Wigan and Wales in his career. He now works for The Vikings Sports Foundation and NHS Halton CCG as a Mental Health Ambassador, 

Community Integrated Care’s Head of Marketing and Communications, John Hughes, says: “We had fantastic feedback on our first Chemics Café, and are looking forward to meeting many more local people at this next event. The Chemics Café is fun, accessible and open to all. With brilliant activities like Tai Chi, and opportunities to meet past and present players, in Joe Argent and Jack Buchanan, this will be a very special day.”

Eddie Cunningham, says, “We are delighted to be able to make a difference to the lives of local people who live with dementia, by working with Community Integrated Care on this project. Many people have vibrant memories of watching Widnes, and we know that a passion for the game is something that can really help bring people together. We are looking forward to our next session on 5^th July.” 

Watch our exclusive Chemics Cafe Video!