Chorley Sporting Memories Changes Its Name to Chorley Community Friendship Group

After five years of making a significant impact on the lives of adults living with or at risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, the group formerly known as "Chorley Sporting Memories" has officially rebranded to "Chorley Community Friendship Group." This name change reflects our expanded scope, which now includes not just sports, but also music, history, games, and other community-focused activities.

Why the Name Change?

As our group evolved, it became clear that the name "Sporting Memories" no longer fully encapsulated the breadth of our activities. While we began with a focus on sports, we’ve since diversified our offerings to better serve our community. The new name, "Chorley Community Friendship Group," represents our broader mission to foster a sense of community and friendship among our members, encompassing a wide range of interests beyond sports.

Acknowledging Our Roots

We owe much of our growth and success to the support we've received from the Sporting Memories Network over the years. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable in helping us reach this point. Now, as we move forward under our new name, we are excited to expand our sessions, events, and programs to have an even greater impact on our community.

What Has the Group Achieved?

In the last five years, Chorley Community Friendship Group has accomplished several significant milestones:

• Supporting over 200 adults: We have helped more than 200 individuals living with or at risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.

• Pioneering online support: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were among the first in the UK to offer online support sessions, keeping our members connected during a challenging time.

• Inspiring others: Our work has influenced other groups across the country, demonstrating the power of reminiscence and shared memories as tools for engagement and support.

What’s Staying the Same?

Despite the new name, much of what we do remains unchanged. We will continue to hold our sessions at Chorley FC’s home, Victory Park, and operate under the banner of the Chorley FC Community Foundation. We remain incredibly grateful for the years of support from the Sporting Memories Network, which helped us grow into what we are today.

Continued Support

Our work is made possible by the generous funding from the National League Trust, which enables us to continue offering valuable services to the community.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Chorley Community Friendship Group is eager to continue its work under this new identity. We aim to reach even more people and further expand our activities, always with the goal of building strong, supportive friendships.

Volunteer Organiser David Draycott shared his thoughts:

“Our Wednesday meetings bring great personal satisfaction to our volunteers, knowing the joy and comfort our sessions provide. Whether members participate in activities or simply enjoy a chat over tea and biscuits, the friendships formed through shared memories contribute significantly to their wellbeing.”

Darren Jenkinson, Chairman of Chorley FC Community Foundation, also expressed his enthusiasm:

"We are immensely proud of the growth and impact of this group within our community. The name change to Chorley Community Friendship Group reflects our commitment to inclusivity and a broader range of activities. We will continue to support this fantastic initiative at Victory Park and look forward to its continued success."

If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.