In recent weeks the topic of mental health and dementia has risen to the top of the agenda for both the Football Association and the Professional Footballers Association.
This follows many years of campaigning by the families of former footballers who were believed to have damage caused by repeated head trauma from heading a football.
Back in 2002 the West Bromwich Albion and England striker Jeff Astle was said to have died from an industrial injury, namely dementia, caused by such head trauma as consistent with heading a football. Since then nothing has happened to examine the risk of such injuries until now.
It was announced last week that an enquiry led by Dr Willie Stewart would examine the Football Influence on Lifelong Health and Dementia Risk on 15,000 ex Professional Footballers, was jointly commissioned by the Football Association and the Professional Footballers Association to commence in January.
This enquiry is long overdue on a condition that has impacted on many ex sportsmen over the years, however there are initiatives which can support such people and indeed anyone who is living with mental health and dementia in particular, such an initiative is the Sporting Memories.
Held in the Travis Perkins Suite at Sincil Bank on alternate Wednesdays at 1pm. Sporting Memories is open to anyone over 50 and aims to stimulate memories through the use of memorabilia connected to Lincoln City, football and sport in general.
The Lincoln City Former Players Association are planning to have ex players at the next meeting on Wednesday November 29th. It would be good to have people who are living with dementia or carers of those who have dementia who could benefit from such a social gathering to come along and support this valuable initiative. Entry is free and refreshments are available.