Nobby Stiles' son calls dementia group 'transformative'

"The way people are treated with dementia in this country I think is shocking, I don't think enough is done for them."

The son of former Manchester United and England player Nobby Stiles said his family became reclusive when the ex-footballer was diagnosed with dementia.

John Stiles told the BBC: "With my family, we withdrew. We didn't know what to do."

However, for the last few years Stiles has been involved The Rainbow Care Group, a dementia group running specialist day care clubs for people living with the condition within their local communities.

The organisation is now opening a new group in Sutton Coldfield - its first in Birmingham - starting from 27 May.

Praising the group on BBC Radio WM, Stiles said: "It's absolutely brilliant. I've been to a number of them and it gives people a lease of life, a day out, it gives the carers a rest. And it's the way forward."

"I've seen the transformation in people - it's something for them to look forward to, they're cared for properly."

Stiles visited one of the groups in north Yorkshire and said he saw the impact it had on the attendees.

"I had a kick about with these people, told them a couple of stories about my dad - and they lit up," he said.

"It's the way forward for care, it really is."

Debbie Cheetham, the community engagement lead at The Rainbow Care Group, told BBC Radio WM that the organisation was supporting hundreds of families across the UK.

She said: "The support is essential for anybody who's caring for somebody with dementia, we don't believe you can do it alone.

"Our clubs are a social club for our members. We open in people's local communities, which is important to keep people connected.

"They come to our groups to see their friends, have some consistency and continuation. That care is enabling them to stay living at home rather than potentially needing full time care."

As members visit the group on their own, Cheetham said: "It gives them their confidence back because people make decisions for themselves rather than a carer making them."

Unlike other traditional groups, Cheetham said The Rainbow Care Group did not insist on a diagnosis for attendees, and also welcomed people with conditions like Parkinson's or traumatic brain injuries.

As well as the social aspect, the group offers personal care and a medication service.

"Our members are as safe in our groups as they would be in a care home or hospital," Cheetham said.

For Stiles, he said he had seen the impact that the group had on people with dementia.

"I can't recommend it enough. I wish there'd been something like that, I wish I'd known about it for my dad," he said.

The Rainbow Care Group will be running weekly from the Sutton Coldfield Recreational Trust every Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 and 16:00, from 27 May.

There is an open day for the group on Wednesday 20 May, between 11:00 BST and 14:00.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.