November's DSA Player of the Month is Ben White … again. White, who was also September's winner, won a close vote that saw 10 different players nominated and only narrowly avoided an awkward 3-way tie.
Marilyn White presented Ben with his trophy after training today, having nominated him for his consistent performances in a County shirt.
Marilyn is the wife of Mick who a lot of supporters will remember for 11 years of volunteering in the Club Shop before he began having health issues and was subsequently diagnosed with Dementia. Mick was part of the presentation group that received the Dementia Friendly Club status that County received in October. As Mick’s carer, Marilyn understands the importance of football in both their lives; they can attend matches together on a Saturday in an environment that Mick is confident in and on Tuesday evening fixtures, Mick is accompanied by Phil Burgess.
This means Marilyn is able to attend her skittles evening and have a chance to recharge her batteries with a short break from her caring duties. Marilyn also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Society and attends music sessions with Mick that are designed to trigger memories.
The Club's Dementia Friendly status is a dynamic programme which will see us active in promoting awareness, raising funds, training staff and volunteers to understand dementia, and creating a safe environment for those attending games.
Prior to last Saturday’s fixture against Carlisle United, Phil Diamond from Alzheimer’s Society, delivered the Dementia Friends session to Rodney Parades steward team and this will support the club’s efforts in this.
Excellent dementia friends session at #newportafc #newportgwentdragons with stewards helping people with dementia do what matters most supporting their team pic.twitter.com/EuIdScrReD
— Philip Diamond (@philipdiamond11) December 9, 2017
Currently the Club are working with the DSA to organise some more sessions of this programme to be delivered by our Champion Norman Parselle; these sessions will include the Trust and Operations Boards, along with the older Academy players. The hope is that by the end of the Season at least 60% of staff and matchday volunteers will have received the training.
If you would like to attend one of the sessions, please contact the DSA by email at info@amberdsa.wales or via Facebook or Twitter