A NATIONAL project supporting those living with dementia has launched in Stroud.

The pilot project includes a series of 12 weekly dementia friendly walks through the grounds of Stratford Park

These gentle walks have been designed to be accessible for those living with all stages of dementia, including those with limited mobility and wheelchair users and for anyone who would benefit from some gentle exercise and enjoy the experience of being out in nature.

Trained volunteers will act as walk leaders and the first event took place on Thursday, May 29.

The group meets at the Museum in the Park before embarking on an hour long walk and afterwards there will be the opportunity for refreshments.

Preparation for the walks has been coordinated locally by Fair Shares, the Museum in the Park and Stroud Valleys Project and has been delivered by Dementia Adventure - a national organisation which works towards connecting people with dementia to nature and the outdoors for all the benefits that brings.

Neil Mapes of Dementia Adventure said: “This is a fantastic initiative designed to give people living with dementia more choice in their lives and bring the benefits of nature, which is the original multi-sensory environment, to more people around the country.

“We would like to thank players of People’s postcode lottery for making the expansion of this park walks service possible.”

All future walks will meet at 10am on alternative Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the next one taking place on Thursday, June 12.

Anyone interested in the walks or wanting to book a place should contact Emma on 01453 706555 or emma@fairshares.org.uk.