Dementia Adventure: Charity walking scheme comes to Swillington Organic Farm

Exploring nature is one of life’s greatest pleasures and benefits both the mind and body. Outdoor activities allow us to stay fit and healthy and can relieve stress, helping us to feel happier and more fulfilled.As we get older, getting outdoors can become more difficult, particularly for those living with dementia. Safety concerns, lack of confidence and insufficient services are the biggest barriers preventing those living with dementia from enjoying the outdoors.Rothwell & District Live at Home Scheme have teamed up with the charity Dementia Adventure to change this. They’ve teamed up with a number of locations to offer residents living with dementia the chance to access safe, structured walks in the local area.Swillington Organic Farm is one such location and will play host to forest walks as a part of the scheme. Research has shown that as little as 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor activity a day can improve the health of those living with dementia significantly, so we are delighted the farm can be of use.The activities have been designed by the Live at Home Scheme team specifically for those living with dementia, their family, friends and carers. This way, those taking part will get the chance to spend some quality time with their loved ones while outdoors.The farm is surrounded by woodland and natural hedgerows, making it the perfect place to take in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and its local wildlife.The events will begin in spring and there will be limited places to ensure those attending have a safe and enjoyable experience. For more details please contact Mandy from Rothwell Live at Home on 0113 2880887. Alternatively, email rothwell.liveathome@mha.org.uk or visit the website for more information.There are other activities planned, including walks at The Dementia Garden in Springhead Park, Rothwell, and St Aiden’s RSPB Nature Reserve, so be sure to look into these if you are interested.