A SERIES of reminiscence groups for people with dementia has been awarded £10,000 from the National Lottery to develop the scheme in the district.

Memory Tree, set up by Dr Elizabeth Anderson in 2012, incorporates 'Time Together - Time Apart', which provides tailored activities for people with dementia and respite sessions for their carers. There are currently groups in Shipley, Keighley, Idle, Low Moor and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Dr Anderson said: "The Lottery funding will help us sustain the Memory Clubs we are already running and hopefully open new ones, using the local partnership model we used with Burley Dementia Action Group last year. We worked with them for a year to help get the group up and running, and they take responsibility for running it in the longterm."

Burley Dementia Action Group went on to win the Dementia Friendly Community of the Year category at the Alzheimer's Society Awards last November.

Memory Tree takes the format of informal get-togethers and hands-on activities, to stimulate discussion and spark memories. The reminiscence group meets in one room while carers get together for peer support in another room.

"It’s a chance for carers to share experiences and help each other through the maze of finding the right care,” said Dr Anderson.

The Idle carers group is led by Chris McDermott, whose late wife had dementia. He got involved with Memory Tree after spotting a voluntary opportunity advertised in the Telegraph & Argus.

“I lost my wife to dementia nine years ago. I had a stroke while I was looking after her, brought on by the stress," he said. "After she died I had depression. I know what carers are going through. This group offers a supportive, comforting environment where people can share experiences and talk through problems.

"It helps to know you’re not alone. Some people break down, it’s a chance to offload and open up. It’s an hour of respite.

“It’s about fun and friendship too. There are tears and laughter in the carers group, we’re like a little family.”

For some carers, the group has offered a lifeline. “My wife has dementia and can’t communicate. It can feel isolating, being a carer,” said one member of the Idle group. “I enjoy coming here and meeting up with other carers who are going through similar experiences. This is such a lovely, friendly group.”

Dr Anderson would like to hear from organisations interested in starting a Memory Club in their area.

"If anyone wants to work with us on this they should get in touch. Enquiries from groups in the Thornton, Clayton and Denholme areas would be especially welcome," she said.

* Memory Tree groups meet at: Kirkgate Community Centre, Shipley, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 10.30am-12.15pm; Idle Baptist Church, Idle, on the second and fourth Tuesdays, 10.30am to 1.30pm; Aldersgate Methodist Church, Low Moor on the first and third Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12noon; Keighley Shared Church Hall, Keighley, on the second and fourth Fridays, 1.45pm to 3.30pm; Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Centre, Burley-in-Wharfedale, on the first and third Thursdays, from 2pm to 4pm.

* For more information call Dr Elizabeth Anderson on (01274) 583364, email elizabeth@brainscapes.co.uk or visit thememorytree.org.uk