Big Hearted Orient Going The Extra Mile This Weekend

The O’s are to work alongside Kick It Out, Fans For Diversity, the Dementia Action Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Society this weekend.

The Vanarama National League club will mark the afternoon by providing free tickets to the game for those living with dementia locally - and also entrance for a carer.

The idea has been powered by the Leyton Orient Trust, who hope the high profile event at Brisbane Road will show the area that mental heath is something they care passionately about.

Phillip Smith, Head of Health and Wellbeing for the 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. Alongside the range of programmes we are delivering on a weekly basis across East London, we hope that the free tickets to the Orient match will be a good opportunity for those living with Dementia to enjoy a day out with their family, friends or carer.”

David Morris, Operations Manager for North East London at Alzheimer’s Society, 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.

“Life doesn’t have to end when dementia begins. People living with the condition should be supported to continue doing the things they love, like watching their favourite football team live at the stadium!

“With 72,000 people in London living with dementia, it’s everyone’s responsibility to learn how the condition can affect individuals.”