Progressive Rugby partner with Alzheimer’s Society
This article is written by Progressive Rugby
Progressive Rugby has become an official referral partner with the Alzheimer’s Society.
The arrangement means we can connect the UK’s leading dementia charity with members of the rugby family with or who have concerns about early onset dementia and probable CTE in themselves or a family member, and are in need of Alzheimer’s Society’s expert support.
It is hoped that by removing the emotional burden of having to take the first step themselves, it will help smooth the transition to accessing emotional support and practical advice and information from the charity. Alzheimer’s Society’s services are already a lifeline to thousands of people, used more than six million times since March 2020.
A spokesperson for Progressive Rugby said: “We are acutely aware that a number of our supporters are former players across the elite and community game, who are experiencing neurological symptoms that could be related to head injuries sustained in the game.
“As well as seeking to better protect current and future players, we also want to provide assistance to those in the rugby family who need support right now.”
The charity’s services are free to be used by anyone concerned about dementia and can be accessed by phone or online.
Alzheimer’s Society will connect people with dementia and their families to the right support, at the right time, in the right way; combining local face-to-face support from Alzheimer’s Society’s highly-trained dementia advisers with telephone and online advice, to help people come to terms with their diagnosis and navigate the complicated maze of health and social care services.
Alzheimer’s Society’s work with Progressive Rugby is part of the charity’s Sport United Against Dementia Campaign, which is bringing the sporting world together to create real and lasting change for fans, players, and former players.
As well as setting up referral pathways across multiple sports and increasing awareness of what support is available, the campaign will also help create a dementia inclusive industry, so people with dementia can continue to enjoy watching sports, and fund and support research to better understand the causes of dementia, particularly to understand any links between sport and dementia.
Zoe Campbell, Deputy Director of Operations at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Establishing a referral pathway with Progressive Rugby is a big step forward in helping us reach even more people in the sporting community. After what has been a devastating two years for people affected by dementia due to the pandemic, Alzheimer’s Society’s expert support services have never been more needed.
“Through our Sport United Against Dementia campaign, we look forward to working with more clubs, organisations and governing bodies to make sure no fan, former player or player faces dementia alone.”
Please visit our ‘Get Support’ tab at the top of this page for all the details.