As a dementia friendly football club, we support members of our community diagnosed with dementia, both on a matchday and throughout the week.
Working closely with the club’s independent charity MFC Foundation as well as Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough, we reach out to those living with dementia, and their families, to ensure they have the best experience and opportunities possible.
Ahead of any matchday at the Riverside Stadium, fans who are living with dementia or their support network, can contact the club via email supporters@mfc.co.uk to arrange a pre-stadium visit. These visits help such individuals feel more safe, comfortable and at home on matchday.
We also distribute discrete pin badges, allowing our stewarding team to identify any supporter living with dementia and meaning they can provide any additional support that is required.
Matchdays aren’t the only reason for people in our community who are living with dementia to visit the Riverside.
The hugely successful Dementia Dances, hosted by the club and led by staff from MFC Foundation, have now been running for over a year and are more popular than ever. The events are open for anyone living with dementia and their family, a chance to socialise and have a dance!
Legendary Boro striker Alan Peacock was himself diagnosed with dementia in 2018, and in his ambassadorial role has since been working with MFC Foundation to raise awareness of the condition and offer support to others living with the illness.
Alan, who played for England at the World Cup as well as starring for the Boro, regularly visits care homes in the local area, bringing along a ‘memory box’ of historic memorabilia. Such props and photos stimulate the mind and evoke memories for the residents while also improving their mental health and wellbeing.
Taking this a step further, MFC Foundation - in partnership with Joslin Rhodes Pension and Retirement Planning - hosted a full exhibition at the start of December which was well attended. The Alan Peacock memory boxes continue to be available from MFC Foundation for any individual living with dementia.
For more information on any of the above including access the Dementia Dances, please contact supporters@mfc.co.uk