DANCING WITH DEMENTIA HOSTS VIP LAUNCH OF ORIENT EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

Salford based charity Dancing with Dementia hosted a VIP launch at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre this week, to launch their immersive train experience reminiscence pod, which was opened by local actress Catherine Tyldesley.

Dancing with Dementia supports people living with Dementia through a range of music and dance based activities across the Salford region, helping people to create positive memories and experiences together. The charity caught the attention of renowned actress Catherine Tyldesley, known for her roles in Coronation Street and comedy drama Scarborough, whilst she was competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.

Photo ©: Catherine Tyldesley, with Lesley Fisher or Dancing with Dementia, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Ann-Marie Humphreys and Mayoress Emma Humphreys.

Catherine, says:

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"Whilst rehearsing for Strictly I began to learn how beneficial dancing could be for people with dementia. Dancing with Dementia are devoting their time to supporting people, their families, and carers through what can be a very difficult time. They have created a community of support and have helped to create incredible experiences for families and carers through music and dance-based activities, and by providing social trips and practical and emotional support, help and advice. It has been a pleasure to open the experience today and to see what a fantastic facility it will be."

Catherine kindly chose to support Dancing with Dementia when appearing on Who Wants to be a Millionaire with the winning proceeds being used to purchase the pod. The reminiscence pod is based at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre, the home of Aspire Care and Support – a local organisation that supports people living dementia, learning disabilities or complex health needs, and will be available to use for free by members of the public. Set in a relaxed environment, the RemPod will allow users to experience a simulated train journey, designed to evoke fond memories of journeys past. Visitors can purchase hot drinks, lunch or even Afternoon Tea from the Forget Me Not Café located in the same building, and can spend time perusing a selection of train related books, magazines and articles too.

Jeanette Cutt, Treasurer, Dancing with Dementia, said:

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"It is with great thanks to Catherine that we have been able to purchase this RemPod, and with thanks to Aspire for giving us the space to facilitate it. It was a natural choice to ask Catherine to open the experience and to come along and meet some of the people we support. We were delighted to have her join us, and to host such a wonderful event' said Lesley Fisher, Chairperson, Dancing with Dementia.

"We hope the RemPod will help people to create even more positive memories together, remembering the joy of past holidays or simply spending time together sharing a love of trains. To have a free facility like this in the area will be wonderful and we know after today it will be well used."

 

Visitors can drop in and use the facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm, or by appointment on other weekdays. Guests wishing to book Afternoon Tea must do so at least 24 hours in advance by calling 0161 607 7101. To find out more, or to make a booking, email aspire@iamaspire.org.uk