Bramley Lawn has developed a day a week dedicated to supporting people with dementia, and providing an outlet for carers and family or friends to get together and find support, writes Fran Graham.
We run a Memory Morning every Thursday from 10.30am – come for a cuppa and to reminisce and have fun. It’s good to get a change of scene and leave the house, meet other people and enjoy a couple of hours in a friendly environment led by our support workers, Catherine Scott and Simon Price.
Our resident gardener also brings in plants and seeds for the group to grow – a great therapy for everyone and especially good for anyone who used to enjoy gardening – but from the comfort of a warm room or outside when the sun is shining. This adapted gardening project is run by Jane Learoyd.
On the last Thursday of each month, instead of Memory Morning, we hold a modified exercise class at 11.15am – it’s a great way to introduce some easy but fun exercise into your life and very good for body and mind. Our trained coach will make sure you’re not over-extending and you can sit or stand – whatever’s comfortable.
After exercise, you can join us for the Catch of the Day lunch club – where we enjoy a home-cooked meal or a fish and chips, pudding, and games, singing or live music for afters! Our regular accordion player Barnie has been a huge hit at these lunch-clubs and usually inspires an impromptu singalong!
On the first Thursday of every month, 1.30-3.30pm, drop in for Singing for the Brain – a chance to reminisce and enjoy singing popular songs from the past with a friendly group. It’s very therapeutic, great fun and makes people feel joyful and energized – there’s nothing like a group singalong to lift the spirits.
As well as being a great way to get out and meet other people, it’s a good way for people who are supporting family members or friends who have dementia, to meet other people experiencing similar situations. Peer support can be invaluable, so we encourage companions to come along, get together and we’ll help you to find the support you need from each other or other agencies. You can also borrow resources from our library including reminiscence tools and books to take home and use.
Remember Thursdays is a change of scene for people with dementia and we ask them to bring a companion with them or to get in touch if they don’t have a companion available so we can help them to get here and be well looked after.
For more information, please email catherinebramleylawn@gmail.com or call Fran on 07815 790189. There are no geographical restrictions – if you are having memory problems or you know someone with dementia who would benefit from Remember Thursdays – do come along or get in touch.
Memory Morning, every Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm (£2)
Singing for the Brain, first Thursday of every month, 1.30pm-3.30pm (£1)
Gentle Exercise, last Thursday of the month, 11.15am (£2) (or free if you’re staying for lunchclub)
Catch of the Day lunch-club, last Thursday of the month, 12-2pm (£5)
Bramley Lawn is based off Rossefield Approach, Bramley. Fran Graham is operations manager at Bramley Elderly Action. BEA creates opportunities and empowers people aged 60+ in Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley.