The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre is a dedicated support space for people living with dementia and their families in Sunderland
Building on its growing reputation as a leader in community wellbeing, The Fans Museum will open the centre as a dedicated dementia support space, initially operating three days per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The service will be open to anyone in Sunderland, with families able to book places for their loved ones.
At the centre, attendees will take part in daily structured activities designed to stimulate memory, encourage conversation and create meaningful connection, alongside dedicated reminiscence sessions rooted in football heritage and personal storytelling.
This new centre builds directly on the success of the Museum’s Memory Box Project, an outreach initiative delivering football-themed reminiscence resources to hospitals, hospices and care settings. These boxes, filled with artefacts spanning over 100 years of football history, are proven to stimulate memory, encourage communication and create emotional connection for people living with dementia
Through this work, the Museum has already demonstrated how football can unlock powerful memories and reconnect individuals with their past, often in ways traditional services cannot.
The centre will be offered at an accessible rate of £50 per day, with optional transport available for £5 and lunch provided for £5, ensuring families across the city can benefit from the service.
As Michael Ganley, Founder of The Fans Museum, explains, “Football has given people memories that last a lifetime. This centre is about giving something back, helping people hold onto those memories for as long as possible, and supporting families through one of the toughest journeys they can face.”
If you would like to register your interest in advance of the centre opening, please contact us here