Trinity Hospice has been providing a new sport for people living with dementia to get involved in thanks to grant funding from Sport England.

The hospice has been hosting Boccia sessions as part of its Dementia Lounge, a monthly support session for people living on the Fylde coast with dementia and their loved ones.

Boccia is a paralympic sport similar to bowls but held indoors with participants who are sat on chairs. It is delivered at the Bispham hospice by Blackpool Football Club Community Trust (BFCCT).

Trinity’s Admiral Nurse, Maxine Emslie, said: “Our monthly Dementia Lounge group is always a highlight in our calendar as much as it is for the people we are supporting. We’re so proud of how we use this session to signpost to our dementia support partners across the Fylde coast and ensure that no-one who is living with dementia feels like they are doing so alone.

“Our Boccia sessions have allowed us to add another level of enjoyment to our Lounge, complimenting the music, quizzes and delicious food we already put on. As well as some light exercise, they also create some healthy competition between our guests, and they’re always lots of fun.

“Our guests tell us our Dementia Lounge feels like getting a warm hug, that they feel listened to and they don’t feel alone. They like how there’s always something different going on.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the funding from Sport England and from the support from our friends at Blackpool Football Club Community Trust. We’re so grateful to them.”

Paul Mullin, Community Engagement Team Leader, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure for us at BFCCT to deliver the Boccia sessions for the dementia group at Trinity Hospice. The Boccia equipment Sport England has provided has been well appreciated by all.

“The participants – some who have never played Boccia – all join in, as do their carers. I think the participants like the game due to it not being too physically taxing, they enjoy the tactical aspect of it, and a big factor is the social element. The participants, whilst playing, chat with each other, encourage each other and laugh with each other.

“We at the BFCCT really enjoy delivering on this session due to all the factors mentioned here.”

Published 19th August 2025