City in the Community, the charitable arm of Manchester City Football Club, has launched a new programme called ‘Reminiscity’ which aims to engage and support local people who suffer from mild to moderate forms of dementia.

The programme was launched at the conclusion of Dementia Action Week and will create a dementia safe environment for participants to enjoy social and physical activity, through the conduit of football and Manchester City, to promote active and engaged lifestyles which can help to tackle some of the challenges that dementia can bring.

The Reminiscity programme will commence over the summer and consist of a six-week programme of activity, taking place in and around the club’s Etihad Stadium. Activity will include social elements, where participants can relive classic City matches and group discussions on the club’s history, as well as physical activity such as stadium walks and arts and crafts.

The programme will also utilise the stadium’s Sensory Room, with participants able to experience the benefits of innovative sensory technology built into the space. It is also hoped that as a legacy benefit to this programme, City in the Community (CITC) coaches will also be able to offer Dementia Walking Football to participants.

Reminiscity is part of CITC’s new wider One City Disability outreach programme, which provides opportunities for participants to take part in free football and sporting provision relevant to their specific disability.

Sean Dwyer, CITC Disability Outreach Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this programme to fans and people within Greater Manchester who are suffering from dementia.

“We’re responding to a need we’ve identified in consideration of our One City Disability programmes and wider mental health provision, and we very much look forward to being able to over our support and facilities in engaging those suffering from dementia.”