Movement for Memories
Support for people living with Dementia
Movement for Memories is designed to support people living with dementia to be active. We appreciate how long and difficult it can be for people to be diagnosed with dementia, so we also support people who are not formally diagnosed but are showing signs and symptoms of early-stage memory loss or other cognitive ability loss (for example, mild cognitive impairment). With various activities, including swimming, the gym, golf, tennis and fitness classes, there is something for everyone.
How we help people with dementia be active
If you are referred to Movement for Memories a member of our Active Communities team will contact you to arrange an initial chat, to help identify your interests and understand what support you need to be active.
All Movement for Memories participants will receive an Edinburgh Leisure card providing 12-weeks free access to gym, swim, golf, tennis and fitness classes followed by 9 months of subsidised access.
We offer a Dementia Friendly Buddy Service, delivered by volunteers; supporting you to access a range of activities more confidently. For example, they might meet you at reception to show you where to go; they may help you set up gym equipment or support you round the golf course.
Whilst not every person diagnosed with dementia requires a carer, we understand that some people do need additional care and support. Edinburgh Leisure welcomes carers to come along for free in a supporting role. To read our Carer Guide and register as a carer please visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/disability
How can I access Movement for Memories
If you feel you would benefit from being part of our Movement for Memories project, you can make a self-referral for yourself or a person you care for. Referrals can be made in the following ways:
1. You can complete our online self-referral form by clicking here.
2. Alternatively, you can call us on 0131 458 2260 or email active@edinburghleisure.co.uk and speak to one of our advisors.
Once we receive your referral, a member of the Active Communities team will contact you to arrange your first meeting.
If you are a health professional or dementia link worker and would like to refer someone to Movement for Memories you can complete our online referral form here.
Become a Movement for Memories Buddy Volunteer
Join our team of amazing volunteers who play a crucial role in our project, providing invaluable support to individuals living with dementia as their activity buddies. Our Buddy program aims to not only help people with dementia to be active with confidence but also to provide them with companionship
As a Buddy your support will be simple yet impactful. You might meet someone at the reception and help them navigate the centre, help set up gym equipment, or accompany them on the golf course. Don't worry if you're new to volunteering we provide comprehensive training. You'll receive training in volunteer skills, dementia awareness, and role-specific guidance. We ask for a commitment of just one session a week, approximately two hours, whenever it's convenient for you. We deliver Movement for Memories across the city, offering flexibility and convenience.
By becoming a Movement for Memories buddy, you'll contribute to improving the lives of individuals with dementia, while also gaining a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
All volunteers will be asked to complete a PVG check for the purpose of safeguarding both volunteers and participants from harm. We welcome applications to volunteer with Movement for Memories and support people with dementia be active.
For further information on Movement for Memories, to make a referral or to find out more about volunteering please contact a member of our Active Communities team on:
Telephone: 0131 458 2260
Do you look after a friend or family member who has dementia?
If you do, it's really important for you to find time to focus on your own health and wellbeing outside of your caring role.
Physical activity has been shown to help carers deal with stress; making you feel better and more able to cope with life demands.
Anyone currently caring for someone with dementia in an unpaid capacity can make a self-referral to Movement for Memories and they will receive their own Edinburgh Leisure Get Active card which will allow access to Edinburgh Leisure’s gym, swim and fitness classes at a discounted cost before 4pm for a period of 12 months.
Please be aware, the person with dementia does not need to be in the Movement for Memories programme for the unpaid carer to be eligible for the card.
For further information on Edinburgh Leisure's Carer card or to apply for one please contact a member of our Active Communities team on:
T: 0131 458 2260
This work is supported by Baillie Gifford