RESIDENTS living with dementia are being reminded they are not alone.

The Vibrant Communities Team at East Ayrshire Council have added two Dementia Friendly Walks to their walking programme after consulting with people living with the condition and their carers.

The local consultations identified that people living with dementia want to spend time outdoors in the fresh air exploring their local area.

However, walking on their own was undesirable due to safety fears.

Led group walks with trained volunteers were an ideal way to offer security and reassurance.

Refreshments at the end of a walk would also make attending more social and worthwhile.

A Health Walk and picnic was held at Dean’s Country Park in Kilmarnock on Monday 17th June to formally launch the new walks which have received Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking accreditation.

Faye Forsyth, Health Development Officer with Vibrant Communities said: “Vibrant Communities are delighted to have received Dementia Friendly accreditation from Paths for All.

The year that we have spent working towards our walks becoming Dementia Friendly has been a very rewarding one.

We have really enjoyed engaging with our walkers who either have dementia themselves or who care for someone with dementia.”