By Tim Parsons-
Leyton Orient are giving people living with dementia an opportunity to play Macclesfield Town this weekend.
The Leyton Orient Trust are holding a Mental Health Awareness event at the team’s home game on Saturday October 21.
Working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Alliance, Fans for Diversity and Kick It Out to hold the event.
The event is structured so that,stewards will take part in a session to help staff understand more about dementia and find ways to better serve spectators living with the condition.
Guests are also graced with the opportunity to use The Hub before, during and after the match.
The Hub was created by Fans for Diversity with Leyton Orient to provide a supportive match day experience for fans from across the community to enjoy watching Leyton Orient.
Phillip Smith, who heads the health and wellbeing, Leyton Orient Trust said: “Following on from the success of the Mental Health Awareness Day last year, we were keen to promote and raise awareness again.
“We’re proud to be supporting those who experience mental health problems it is a very important part of our work here at the trust.”
David Morris, operations manager for north east London at Alzheimer’s Society, praised the club’s support for dementia sufferers to continue doing the things they love like watching their favourite team.
Mr Morris said: “We’re so grateful to Leyton Orient Trust and Leyton Orient FC for helping us raising awareness of dementia.
“Saturday’s match helps to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia as we get people talking about the condition.”
Waltham Forest Dementia Action Alliance is made up of businesses and community groups working to make the borough welcoming and accessible for people with dementia.
Chairman Fiona Cronin said: “ Leyton Orient really is an excellent example of how football clubs can be at the heart of their communities, bringing people together for a good cause.”
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