Mayor launches Dementia Walking Group at Abney Court

Home news

Jun 06, 2017

Abney Court was joined by a special guest to celebrate the launch of its Dementia Walking Group.

The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Chris Gordon, joined the local community and the team at Abney Court for the group’s first walk through the grounds of Abney Hall Park.

The intimate walk took guests around the historic pathways of Abney Hall Park and gave local people living with dementia and their carers, the opportunity to take part in gentle exercise in a safe, controlled environment.

The Walking Group has been launched in partnership with Stockport Health Walks, and will support local people living with dementia and their carers. The wheelchair friendly walks will be run fortnightly.  

The care home recently donated £1,500 to the Friends of Abney Hall Park to assist in maintaining and preserving the park pathways. The park has over 200 acres of natural woodland and is a popular destination for the local community. The historic grounds of the park will be the back drop to every walk.

The club is also being supported by the local Rotary Club and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Tracy Mitchell, home manager at Abney Court, said: “The first walk was a great success, and we were thrilled Councillor Chris Gordon took the time to help us launch the club. Guests thoroughly enjoyed the route and took great pleasure taking in the local landscape in Abney Hall Park.

“Walking has proven benefits for those living with dementia, so we’re delighted to be working with Stockport Health Walks to extend this activity to the wider community.

“We look forward to welcoming the people of Cheadle, and surrounding areas over the coming months.”

Jean Goulden, from the Friends of Abney Hall Park added: “We’re thrilled that Abney Hall Park will be used for such an important activity in the community and are very grateful to Abney Court for their kind donation. The money has opened up a new area of the park, and it neighbours the popular waterfall feature.”