Winds of change are blowing through town
Dementia Friendly project introduced at seafront
Newly installed wind vanes are blowing change along Prestwick promenade.
A two- year- long project to make the town esplanade more accessible for people living with dementia unveiled three new wind vanes last Monday to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day.
Dementia Friendly Prestwick has worked together with the local community, South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, and Paths for All to make the seafront more pleasant and engaging.
The charity, who are helping people living with dementia remain part of their community, carried out a public consultation which gathered overwhelming support for the project.
The new poetry wind gauges, designed by Paths for All’s artist in residence Alec Finlay, depict islands that can be seen from the shore including Ailsa Craig, Arran and the Holy Isle.
Alec initially worked with the Dementia Friendly Prestwick Health Walk group making poetry walking sticks, which inspired the design for the new seafront project, funded by Sustrans ArtRoots programme.
Chair of Dementia Friendly Prestwick, Ian Welsh OBE, said: “This project is one of a range of activities undertaken by Dementia Friendly Prestwick
over the last four years to make positive impacts on people living with dementia and their families or support workers.
“The current public health challenges have only reinforced the need for friendly, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive public spaces.
“We’re especially pleased that partnership and consultation
are at the heart of this initiative.”
Kenneth Dalrymple, South Ayrshire Council’s lead officer for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I think Dementia Friendly Prestwick have done a tremendous job on this and I would like to congratulate them on their achievement and acknowledge their commitment to the project.
“I am glad South Ayrshire Council have been able to contribute and be part of such a worthwhile project.”
Other changes the charity and partners have been made include; easy read toilet signs, new directional signs, new noticeboards on the promenade and civic garden ( Boydfield Gardens), colourful benches with arm rests and a new road crossing island on Links Road.
• Dementia Friendly Prestwick have restarted their weekly Health Walk every Monday at 11am meeting at the Grangemuir Road end of the seafront.
Everyone is welcome. Numbers will be limited to keep people safe and there will be no refreshments at the end.