Delivery of happy memories thanks to museum's football memorabilia

Memory boxes filled with programmes, books, newspapers and other football-related memorabilia will be delivered to care homes, hospitals and hospices in a groundbreaking project which uses football to support mental health.

- by Katy Wheeler

Starting from August 4, the Through The Fans' Eyes project aims to distribute 50 memory boxes across the North East.

The aim is to trigger happy memories and feelings of comfort and familiarity among those living with conditions such as dementia and sensory impairment - and the organisers are calling for volunteers to help.

The scheme is the brainchild of lifelong SAFC supporter and owner of the city's Monkwearmouth-based Fans Museum, Michael Ganley.

And, from 4th to 14th August, he and his team from the museum will be at The Pavilion, Keel Square, filling each box with about 300 authentic items from Michael's collection.

The boxes will then be distributed to care centres throughout the region for two weeks, after which they will be exchanged for a different box containing new materials.