Latest news with #PlaylistforLife
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sir Alex Ferguson backs dementia charity as football legend joins music therapy team
The former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager visited staff in Glasgow this week. Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson has signed on as official ambassador to the dementia charity Playlist for Life. The former Manchester United boss is taking on the role after supporting the charity through fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns. He visited staff at the organisation's office in Glasgow this week to learn how Playlist for Life uses music to improve the lives of people living with dementia. Sir Alex said: "Dementia is a big challenge for all of us but we all know someone close to us who has dementia. "It's not always easy to talk about but music is a fantastic thing that can help. "I'm beyond proud to be an ambassador for Playlist for Life. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Visiting the team, I can see they are leading the way in using music to transform the lives of people affected by dementia." Sir Alex, who shared his own playlist, including Moon River, It's All In the Game and Danny Boy, with the charity, added: 'Music is a fantastic thing, I've made a start on the playlist of my life, I recommend everyone does the same and supports this fantastic charity.' Playlist for Life has trained 10,000 professionals to embed personal playlists into dementia care with one team in NHS Fife reporting an 80 per cent drop in use of medication used to manage symptoms for a group of people living with dementia. Executive director of Playlist for Life, Michael Timmons, said: 'It's a privilege to have Sir Alex Ferguson pulling on the Playlist for Life jersey as an official ambassador, following many years of quiet but generous support.'
Glasgow Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Ferguson backs Playlist for Life in dementia care role
The former Manchester United manager has been a long-time supporter of Playlist for Life, participating in fundraising and awareness campaigns. He began his ambassadorship by visiting the charity's Glasgow office, where he learned how Playlist for Life helps those living with dementia by using personally meaningful music. Sir Alex Ferguson with Michael Timmons (Executive Director, left) (Image: Jamie Simpson) Sir Alex said: "Dementia is a big challenge for all of us, but we all know someone close to us who has dementia. "It's not always easy to talk about, but music is a fantastic thing that can help. 'I'm beyond proud to be an ambassador for Playlist for Life. "Visiting the team and hearing more about the work they do, I can see they are leading the way in using music to transform the lives of people affected by dementia. L-R: Sir Alex Ferguson and Rebecca Kennedy (Head of Communities) (Image: Jamie Simpson) 'Music is a fantastic thing, I've made a start on the playlist of my life, I recommend everyone does the same and supports this fantastic charity.' Sir Alex's own playlist includes songs such as Moon River and Danny Boy. Read more: 'Take it' - Boyd urges Rangers to cash in on 'squad player' Playlist for Life uses scientific research to advocate the use of personal playlists in dementia care within families, communities, care homes, and health boards. The approach starts with creating a personal playlist of songs that evoke treasured memories or loved ones. L-R: Michael Timmons (Executive Director), Sir Alex Ferguson, Sandra Stark (Chair) and Frank Dunn (Trustee) (Image: Jamie Simpson) The organisation has trained nearly 10,000 health and social professionals to incorporate personal playlists into dementia care, with one team in NHS Fife reporting an 80 per cent reduction in medication for a group of people with dementia. Sir Alex has long supported the charity, offering auction prizes and appearing on national television to discuss the impact of meaningful music on dementia care. Michael Timmons, executive director of Playlist for Life, said: "Sir Alex's backing in this new role of ambassador will help us reach many more people living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia. "It's a privilege to have Sir Alex Ferguson pulling on the Playlist for Life jersey as an official ambassador, following many years of quiet but generous support. "During his visit to our office, he seemed impressed by the team's work and understood the importance of our approach to dementia care." "We hope his support encourages more people to discover the power of personal playlists and create their own today.'
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Sir Alex Ferguson shares playlist of his life for charity
The charity advocates for the use of personal playlists in dementia care across communities, health boards, care homes, and for families and people at home. Read More: Its approach, which is backed by more than two decades of research, starts with creating and listening to a playlist of songs that make up the soundtrack to your life, tracks that take you back to special moments in your life and tunes that remind you of loved ones. The organisation has trained almost 10,000 health and social professionals to embed personal playlists into dementia care with one team in NHS Fife reporting an 80% reduction in the use of medication used to manage symptoms for a group of people living with dementia. Sir Alex said: 'Dementia is a big challenge for all of us, but we all know someone close to us who has dementia. It's not always easy to talk about, but music is a fantastic thing that can help. 'I'm beyond proud to be an ambassador for Playlist for Life. Visiting the team and hearing more about the work they do, I can see they are leading the way in using music to transform the lives of people affected by dementia. 'Music is a fantastic thing, I've made a start on the playlist of my life, I recommend everyone does the same and supports this fantastic charity.' Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson signs on as ambassador for music and dementia charity Playlist for Life (Image: Jamie Simpson) Michael Timmons, executive director of Playlist for Life, said: 'Sir Alex's backing in this new role of Ambassador will help us reach many more people living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia. 'We are working to embed personal playlists into dementia care in communities, hospital and care settings across the UK as standard because it's so much more than something that's just nice to have. Personal playlists can improve the lives of people living with dementia by helping to spark connection and reduce some of the more distressing symptoms. 'It's a privilege to have Sir Alex Ferguson pulling on the Playlist for Life jersey as an official ambassador, following many years of quiet but generous support. "During his visit to our office he seemed impressed by the team's work and understood the importance of our approach to dementia care. We hope his support encourages more people to discover the power of personal playlists and create their own today.' Sir Alex Ferguson's personal playlist Moon River, Henry Mancini (music), Johnny Mercer (lyrics) This is the song that when I'm with my longest and dearest friends from Govan, I always sing. Only they would have the patience to listen to me! It's All in the Game, Nat King Cole This song has a particularly strong memory for me. When I was 17 and playing for Queen's Park, they used to have an annual snooker competition, which I won. But when I went to receive the prize at the Annual Christmas Dance, they wouldn't give me it unless I sang. And this was the song I sang. My Own True Love, Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind "The theme song from one of the greatest movies of all time. Cathy and I visited Atlanta some years ago when I was studying the American Civil War and visited the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, which is part of the museum tours." Dirty Old Town, The Pogues "Written by a Glasgow-born man, Ewan MacColl, whose daughter was part of the duet in the famous Christmas song Fairy-tale of New York – Kirsty MacColl & Shane McGowan." Danny Boy "Danny Boy is one of the most sung songs in the world. There is a host of famous singers who have sung it and of course there are many different perspectives on the meaning of the song. One quite sad version is of a father taking his son to catch a train as he was heading off for war and his father was so worried for him that he forgot to give him a hug. The son never returned." The Way We Were, Gladys Knight and the Pips "Also sung by Barbra Streisand, it was the theme song for the movie of the same name, which starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford."
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Dementia cafes at Glasgow Royal Infirmary help families
At Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), the Dementia Cafe has become a valued part of care for older patients, offering a welcoming space for conversation, creativity, and companionship. The scheme, part of a wider programme under NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has been celebrated as part of Dementia Awareness Week (June 2 to 8). Read more: Free dementia support clinics retuning to Glasgow this month The GRI recently celebrated Dementia Awareness Week (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Rebecca Badhesha, senior charge nurse for Ward 30, said: "The hospital setting can often feel isolating. "Through the Dementia Cafe, we aimed to combat loneliness and help our patients retain their skills and abilities through engaging activities." Born from the Dementia Champions Programme, the cafe first took shape in 2016 when staff at GRI saw an opportunity to improve the hospital experience for patients with dementia. Monthly sessions began in a boardroom setting, welcoming patients from the medical and older people's wards, along with relatives, carers, volunteers, and staff. The aim was to create a more social, supportive environment for everyone affected by the condition. Over time, the cafe has evolved to include themed sessions designed to spark conversation and engagement. Reminiscence days, for example, have helped people recall past holidays including special visits from an ice cream van to spark childhood memories. Meanwhile, partnerships with pet therapy charities have brought therapy dogs into the hospital, and gentle exercise sessions led by a ballet teacher have encouraged movement in a relaxed setting. Reminiscence Days have helped patients evoke memories of past holidays by the seaside (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) There have also been silent discos, based on the Playlist for Life model, which used personalised music to help patients connect through song. As well as arts and crafts sessions, paired with tea and cake, giving patients a chance to express themselves creatively. One particular memory that Rebecca recalls from the cafe involved a gentleman who had not communicated for some time. She said: "During a session, he sang to his daughter after a song triggered a nostalgic memory. 'That's the beauty of these sessions, they provide a sense of normality and connection that can be so hard to find in a hospital setting.' Sessions like the Dementia Cafe were unfortunately paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, but since Rebecca took up her role in 2023, smaller gatherings have resumed on the wards. Read more: Do you have a loved one affected by dementia? These free services could help A larger Christmas event was also held, involving patients from several older people's services wards. Rebecca said: "We're committed to re-establishing these joyful afternoons. "There's so much healing power in community and connection, and we're excited to bring patients and families together." Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, praised the initiative. He said: "The Dementia Cafe is a fantastic initiative. "It's a great way to bring people together within hospitals and foster friendship and connection. "I'd like to thank all those involved in organising the cafés and those who attend." The cafe also serves as a tribute to Alan Cook, a colleague who passed away in April 2024 and played a key role in launching the project.
