ENU will work with the organisation to support older people living with dementia, frailty and isolation
A new collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and third sector organisation Sporting Memories will look at ways to support older people, including those living with dementia, across the UK.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will embed ENU’s occupational therapy expertise across Sporting Memories’ work – including the development of new training for staff and volunteers.
It aims to enhance the impact of existing Sporting Memories clubs, particularly for older adults living with dementia, frailty or isolation, and translate evidence into professional practice.
Backed by £200,000 of funding from Innovate UK, the KTP officially gets under way this month.
It follows the successful practice education placements of students from ENU’s MSc (Pre Reg.) Occupational Therapy programme with Sporting Memories groups in Fife. During eight weeks with different clubs across the region, they designed and delivered inclusive sessions and gathered insightful feedback from participants.
The latest pair of practice education students, Kieara Dunne and Robin Gallagher, used those responses to develop a leaflet which is now used by Sporting Memories to promote their work across Fife. They also began developing a universal resource to support volunteers in their role.
Sporting Memories leaders are now hopeful of integrating occupational therapy theory across all their UK clubs, as part of their ongoing efforts to improve participants’ physical and mental wellbeing.
Launched in 2011, Sporting Memories supports a wide range of people aged 50 and over, including those living with dementia, frailty and loneliness to regular club sessions, where they reminisce about sport. They have clubs in more than 100 local communities across Scotland, England and Wales.
Return to Sporting Memories Dunfermline
To mark the start of the partnership, students Kieara and Robin returned to the Sporting Memories club in Dunfermline to catch up with participants and volunteers – after striking up close bonds during their placement.
During their time with the group, the pair led activity sessions and presentations, while being supervised remotely by a practice occupational therapist.
Reflecting on their time with the group, Robin Gallagher said: “When we first arrived, we saw what a wonderful idea it is.
“It's a really good way, in particular for men who maybe struggle to open up about their mental health, to bring them out into a safe space where they can share discussion.
"When we were on placement we learned from the members that they come here to get away from things and have a laugh with friends, to reminisce.
"So much of sport is based on community. A lot of these members struggle to be involved in sport now, but being part of something like Sporting Memories brings a community together that they maybe miss.”
Kieara Dunne added: "We both have a shared interest in sport, so we were both really pleased when we heard we were coming on this placement.
"We talked to members about occupational therapy and our own sporting background - Gaelic football for me and football for Robin. That allowed them to get to know us that bit more and to see what we were doing here.
"It really helped our confidence as occupational therapy students. It was nice to know that we made an impact."
Dr Fiona Maclean, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Edinburgh Napier University, said: "Being able to partner with a third sector organisation is a really exciting opportunity, not just for our students but also for us as a University.
"Occupational therapy is really all about understanding human purpose, and how purpose enable us to live positive lives for longer.
"One of the important things about Sporting Memories is that it uses the occupation, or activity, of sport as a positive influence to promote and sustain purpose in the everyday lives of older people.”
Ashleigh Gray, Practice Education Lead, Edinburgh Napier University, said: "From the outset, I could see the potential Sporting Memories could offer our students, particularly in creating an environment where they could feel a strong sense of belonging.
"The values of Sporting Memories closely align with our occupational therapy principles. It was clear that being in a setting which prioritises meaningful activity, social connection and wellbeing would give our students a really great opportunity.”
Professor Alison Porter-Armstrong, Professor of Healthcare Technology Innovation and Assessment, Edinburgh Napier University, said: “I’m delighted to be leading this KTP, which offers the opportunity of an impactful journey of innovation, discovery and service transformation.
"We are looking forward to making a real difference to the lives of those accessing the Sporting Memories service – after all, ENU is the home of difference makers!”
Chris Wilkins, CEO and co-founder, Sporting Memories, said: "We are excited by the way our relationship with Edinburgh Napier University has developed.
“I know how much of an impression the students made on our clubs in Fife. This partnership grew out of the insights that came to light because of their work.
"The ultimate aim of this is potentially massive. We could be helping to bring systemic change in the way occupational therapy could be accessed by people across the country."
Jim Berryman, Knowledge Transfer Advisor, Innovate UK, said: “I am delighted to see such positive early progress on the exciting project between Edinburgh Napier University and Sporting Memories.
“This partnership has been superbly co-created to bring emergent academic expertise in applied occupational therapy to better evidence the well-known effectiveness of the Sporting Memories club methodology.
“I can’t wait to see where this takes us in proving just how impactful it is to remember great sporting moments and keep active.”
Anne-Marie Haughey, Manager, East of Scotland KTP Centre, said: "This KTP builds on the excellent work already being delivered by Sporting Memories to prevent loneliness and promote activity among older adults.
“The addition of occupational therapy expertise is a powerful and innovative step that could significantly enhance outcomes for participants, improving their quality of life, and extend the impact for Sporting Memories.
“For the East of Scotland KTP Centre this is a particularly special and meaningful collaboration we are proud to support.”
Picture captions - credit Edinburgh Napier University
Top: Robin Gallagher speaking to the group at the Sporting Memories club in Dunfermline
Middle: The Sporting Memories leaflet researched and created by ENU students
Bottom: (L-R) Dr Fiona Maclean, Ashleigh Gray, Robin Gallagher and Kieara Dunne outside the Sporting Memories club in Dunfermline