THE Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation has joined forces with Sporting Memories Network to tackle dementia, isolation and loneliness in Trafford.

The partnership aims to harness the power of stories and of sport to re-ignite connections between generations and combat the effects of dementia, depression and loneliness in the elderly.

It will see the development of a network of groups across the borough run by volunteers from LCCC Foundation and the wider community trained, resourced and supported by Sporting Memories Network. These groups will focus on using social activities to help participants recall memories of watching or playing sport.

By sharing memories of sporting moments and tapping into a passion for sport the project will help people to connect with others and with their past, re-awakening positive thoughts and feelings that otherwise remain hidden away.

Once sparked the desire to have a go at other physical activities can return and the project will encourage people to get active, to promote physical health as well as mental health.

Sandy Mitchell, head of community development of LCCC Foundation said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sporting Memories Network. The work they have done across the country is highly regarded and to be able to join together and use the history of this great cricket club for the benefit of our local communities to help make a real difference to individuals that are often forgotten about is a key reason for our involvement.”

Tony Jameson-Allen, Co-founder and Director of the Sporting Memories Network said: “Teaming up with the LCCC Foundation presents such a fantastic opportunity to create a vibrant, innovative and rewarding partnership using the fantastic heritage of a great club. We are looking forward to taking plans forward and seeing what memories are shared across the groups and across generations.”