Dementia-friendly meander around Hospitalfield

A walking project which promotes wellbeing and good health for people living with dementia is being launched in Angus.

Hospitalfield, the historic artist house in Arbroath, is running the scheme called Meander.

The project is going ahead with supported from Paths for All and NHS Tayside Community Innovation Fund.

It will be officially launched next Wednesday, as part of the venue’s programme for Volunteers Week, which runs from June 1-7.

The walks will leave from the front of Hospitalfield House every week and participants will be guided around the surrounding area by volunteer walk leaders.

Each meander will run from noon to 1.30pm, culminating with tea, coffee and cake in the walled garden.

Paths For All wants to ensure everyone living with dementia, as well as their families, friends and carers, can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking.

It is providing training, funding and support to make the walking for health network at Hospitalfield dementia-friendly.

Paths For All is also working to raise awareness about the importance of walking for people living with dementia.

Annie Crabtree, volunteer coordinator at Hospitalfield, said: “We have shorter walks that enjoy a slow pace around our historic grounds and beautiful gardens and longer routes that connect us to local landscapes sites of interest.

“With support from Paths For All, we have been working with our volunteer walk leaders and local care homes and support services to devise a route that is accessible and enjoyable for those living with dementia.

“We’re very proud of this and excited to celebrate our dementiafriendly accreditation and to welcome people from all walks of life to enjoy a meander around Hospitalfield’s gardens.”

Members of the public are welcome to join in these walks every Wednesday at noon.

Anyone who wants to attend should contact Annie at volunteer@ hospitalfield.org.uk or call 01241 656124.