Snooker Club Offers Haven for Dementia Patients

A snooker group named No Teir Snooker has been founded to provide support for individuals diagnosed with dementia, particularly those in the early stages of the condition. The initiative, based in Congleton, Cheshire, aims to offer a space for members to socialize and engage in a familiar activity, fostering a sense of normality and community.

Ian Carter, the founder, established the group to address what he perceived as a gap in support services for people with early-onset dementia. He highlighted that while a diagnosis can bring relief by explaining past experiences, it often leaves individuals facing a void. The weekly meetings at the town's snooker club offer a relaxed atmosphere, away from clinical settings, where members can enjoy the game and each other's company.

Denise Parr, a dementia outreach nurse, collaborated with Carter, recognizing similar gaps in care. She described the group as a "breath of fresh air," providing much-needed social interaction and helping people reclaim aspects of their social lives. The group emphasizes inclusivity, allowing members to connect with others and feel like an active part of society, rather than being isolated by their diagnosis.