Four new walks are Dementia Friendly

The charity was set up in 2003 to reduce health inequalities and promote positive lifestyle changes in rural South Lanarkshire.

The project prioritises deprived areas and supports people who are at a high risk of poor physical and mental health, have a long-term health condition, and are isolated or lonely.

The weekly health walks with Dementia Friendly Walking status are in Lesmahagow, Rigside, Biggar and Lanark.

Currently, Health Walks are permitted under the organised sport (coaching) guidance and current Scottish Government local protection levels.

A maximum of 30 participants can attend a registered Health Walk with detailed risk assessments carried out and physical distancing being maintained.

Healthy Valleys are a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network and work in partnership with South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, GPs, and a range of allied health professionals to allow referrals to their project. This ensures they are meeting the needs of those who require extra support in the Clydesdale area.

Involving people living with dementia in the design of their activities is an important step in providing the services they need and making communities more inclusive.

Consultations with people living with dementia and their carers found everyone had walking ‘memories’ they could talk about, like walking to school, or enjoying local landmarks, such as Tinto Hill, with their families.

People living with dementia benefit from being outdoors and in contact with nature as it can help relieve stress, increase self-esteem, produce vitamin D, and exercise the brain, helping with memory and cognitive functioning.

All four of Healthy Valleys Dementia Friendly Health Walks offer short accessible walks from 30 minutes to one hour maximum and have accessible meeting places with toilets. Socialising opportunities are not currently allowed under the Covid-19 restrictions but have been planned for.

Fourteen volunteer health walk leaders with Healthy Valleys have benefited from Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walk Leader training and Dementia Friends Awareness training to help them in their leading role.

The volunteers have received branded jackets, face masks, woolly hats, hi-visibility vests, and name badges to make them easily identifiable for any walker who needs assistance.

Project co-ordinator Gail McAra said: “Being able to complete our Dementia Friendly Accreditation during these difficult times has given our project and volunteers a real boost. We would not have been able to achieve this without the commitment of our volunteers and walk leaders.

“Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting local support groups, experiencing the fantastic work and support they provide to local people with experience of dementia, and gained valued knowledge to develop our walks in the future so more people with dementia can live well with the condition.”

Paths for All are asking people to pledge to Walk Once a Day this winter to encourage making walking part of their daily routine.

Chief officer Ian Findlay said: “Well done to Healthy Valley’s staff and volunteers for providing four Dementia Friendly Health Walks in the Clydesdale area.

“The project’s consultation process highlighted the importance of accessible and well-maintained walking routes suitable for a wide range of abilities.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for quality walking environments to help people living with a range of health conditions spend time safely outdoors to support their physical, mental and social health.”

“Walking groups are allowed under the current government guidelines and I would encourage anyone living in the Clydesdale area to join their local Health Walk group and to walk once a day this winter.”

To find out more visit www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthy-valleys.