WOKINGHAM is a place where those affected by dementia can continue to lead fulfilling lives.
This is largely thanks to Age UK Berkshire and Dementia Friendly Wokingham who put on a full programme of events, ranging from music sessions and coffee socials, to keep residents and carers active.
These efforts have been supported by Wokingham Borough Council’s as part of their wider strategy to pool together relevant charities and organisations as part of its provision for those living with dementia.
The network of organisations also work with NHS leads to ensure residents have access to all the help they require.
Age UK Berkshire runs regular walks at various locations across the borough, most recently at Dinton Pastures Country Park.
Almost 20 participants took part in the stroll, before enjoying a spot of coffee and cake at the reserve’s cafe.
Organiser Jenny Westmoreland said: “I’m always inspired by the people who come to these walks. It’s a very simple thing for Age UK and Dementia Friendly Wokingham to put on. The inspiration to put on more events is all around the smiles on people’s faces and the enjoyment.”
She added that the informal nature of the sessions was the key to their success, with no mandatory commitment required. The walks cater for those who wish to walk at a wide range of paces, with multiple members of staff on-hand to supervise.
Sessions also provide an opportunity to spend time with people who are experiencing similar circumstances and are more than happy to offer tips and reassurance.
Those who attend are encouraged to provide feedback, which is taken on board by those who run the events.
Ms Westmoreland wants to widen access to these events, stating the organisations’ desire to expand meetings to the north of the borough. In this way, they will be able to include more people who might not have access to transport.
The pandemic was particularly difficult for older residents who were left housebound and devoid of regular social activities and groups.
Age UK’s Coffee mornings, Love to Move sessions and walks slowly opened up with the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions, something which Ms Westmoreland described as ‘a lifeline’ to its users.
Sue Moody and Sheila Roberts have attended various sessions put on by Age UK Berkshire and other similar charities, particularly since they restarted after the pandemic.
They said that car parks closing had a significant impact on their lives during lockdown as it meant that they were no longer able to go to their nearest parks for walks.
Ms Moody said: “It’s nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air. We’ve met so many nice people and everybody’s in the same situation so no-one judges anyone else. It’s a real leveller.
“There’s so much choice now. We go to the Wokingham and Bracknell ones, as well as the dementia cafe at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and a singing cafe in Wokingham. We’re very busy.”
The pair are keen to encourage others to try sessions for themselves and to experience their many benefits.
Ms Roberts explained: “We were unsure at first, we didn’t know if we wanted to go or not. We said we’d give it a go, and if we didn’t like it we wouldn’t go again. Well, I think we’ve been to every single one since. There’s just no pressure.”
Age UK is open to those who wish to volunteer in a range of capacities, such as through its befriending phone services and helping older people fill out forms and use their computer.
For more information, visit: www.dementiafriendlywokingham.co.uk
