(L to R) Bill Glanville, Hull FC Vice Captain John Asiata, and Mike Roberts from YNER Freemasons

Local people affected by dementia will receive help and support courtesy of a grant from Yorkshire North & East Ridings Freemasons to the Hull FC Community Foundation.

A significant grant of £54,000 will drive a brand-new Community Foundation project called 'Active In Age', providing enhanced care and support for people living with dementia, as well as carers.

The three-year project aims to support people living with dementia to lead healthier, happier lives. With activity also proposed for carers, aware of the challenges their roles place on mental health, the project comprises community-based health and social activities co-created with potential beneficiaries that respond to needs and lived experiences shared during consultation.

With the support of various local charities, 'Active In Age' was engineered by over 50 people affected by dementia, ensuring the project offers provision that meets gaps in the local offer.

Through focus groups, one-to-one conversations, and taster sessions delivered in both supported living and community settings, the Community Foundation learned of the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation amongst the beneficiary groups, the lack of specialist, bespoke activities delivered within community settings that aim to improve physical health and cognitive function, and low knowledge and understanding of the wider support services available locally.

Reports show that the city has an increasing proportion of over 65’s living with dementia, rising from 6.2 per cent in 2019 to 8.1 per cent in 2023 (Age UK Hull) with 72 per cent living in neighbourhoods within the top 10 cent for deprivation.

With a weekly session bidding to reduce loneliness and social isolation, as well as improve physical health and cognitive function, the Hull FC Community Foundation has a clear vision to improve the lives of those living with dementia.

James Price, Head of Hull FC Community Foundation, said:

"We’re all incredibly grateful to Yorkshire North & East Ridings Freemasons for their generous grant. The statistics paint a clear picture that Hull is one of the country's most deprived areas. They also show that there is a larger proportion of people over the age of 65 living with dementia. Thanks to the generosity of the local freemasons, we are able to establish our Active in Age project, which will make a significant impact on the lives of people living with dementia, as well as the carers, whose work cannot be underestimated."

Bill Glanville from Yorkshire North & East Ridings Freemasons, said:

“I’m very glad we’ve been able to help Hull FC Community Foundation with their hugely important programme supporting older people living with dementia to lead healthier, happier lives. Equally important is their programme to help carers who often find their mental health is affected by their dedication to looking after a loved one in need.”