Linda wins award for programme of walks
Helping dementia sufferers stay active
A Stirling woman has won an award for her work in making sure that those with dementia don’t miss out on regular walks.
Paths for All presented Linda Shields with a Dementia Friendly volunteer of the year award at the Scottish Parliament last week for her role in improving the health and wellbeing of those living with dementia in Stirling.
Linda, 70, from Causewayhead, promotes and leads three Dementia Friendly walks a week across Stirling and increasing her own knowledge of the disease and its impact by attending talks and seminars.
The former professional chef devotes over 20 hours a week to volunteering and there has been a 50 per cent increase in participants on these walks thanks to her involvement.
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick presented Linda with the award, a certificate, £250 towards her project and a £30 gift voucher.
The awards ceremony was hosted by BBC presenter Fiona Stalker and saw a number of the nation’s volunteers, from the Highlands to the Borders, win prizes for their efforts in transforming paths and parklands, as well as community walking habits in their areas.
Linda said: “Walking, especially in a group, can be so beneficial in delaying the onset of, and progress of, the symptoms of dementia.
“Our walks offer the opportunity to be in a safe and caring environment whilst enjoying both company and exercise in the fresh air.
“Those taking part in our Dementia Friendly walks become our friends and I’m so pleased our efforts are helping create some contented, even happy, moments for them and their loved ones and carers who need this support too.
“I really hope my winning this award encourages more volunteers to join us in this rewarding work.”
Since February 2017, Linda has worked alongside the Stirling Walking Network project coordinator to make Dementia Friendly Walking in Stirling a welcoming, supportive and enjoyable experience for walkers and their carers.
Ross McClaren, whose wife May attends one of the walks, said: “Linda is quite simply my lifeline, as my wife’s health has deteriorated rapidly and her behaviour had become quite challenging.
“This has meant that she rarely wants to go out, but when Linda calls round to take her out she is much more at ease and is quite happy to go out walking with the Friday support group.
“May starts to smile when Linda chats to her and I can’t tell you what a relief it is for me to know that she can still be happy doing things with Linda.”
May is now looked after in a nursing home. Linda visits her regularly and takes her and some of the other residents out on walks.