Scotland’s first ever dementia friendly park was launched last week when changes to the signage and the installation of new benches and a handrail in a steep section of the park’s path were unveiled in the cherished City space.
The work, carried out by Paths for All and linked to the progress being made by Dementia Friendly Stirling, marks an important checkpoint on Stirling Council’s journey to adapt the wider area to be more suitable for people living with dementia.
Stirling Council Provost, Christine Simpson, was at the Park to welcome the changes and said: “I am delighted to support this important initiative which will bring pleasure, relaxation and increased wellbeing to our Stirling residents.
“This is particularly important for people living with dementia and their carers as many of the improvements have been specially designed to enhance their access and quality of life.”
In addition to the physical adjustments to the park, an information leaflet with a map has also been created to assist with wayfinding and decision making for people with dementia prior to visiting King’s Park.
Paths for All currently support 22 Dementia Friendly Walking projects, including Stirling Walking Network, and have trained 249 Dementia Friendly Volunteer Walk Leaders.
Dr Corinne Greasley Adams, Development Officer with Paths for All, who worked with local communities to implement the improvements to Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly Park, said: “This project was an important step for us in working towards our aim of driving improvements in the quality of life, wellbeing, empowerment and inclusion of people living with dementia in Scotland.
“We listened to the local community and were able to respond and make change happen.
“The experience for all visitors to Kings Park will be improved by the installation of a handrail on a steep section of the path, dementia friendly toilet signage and new benches which will provide rest points on long sections of the path.
“With these changes, we hope to spread the message that anybody can enjoy walking activities.”
The group’s efforts at Kings Park, and the wider body of work to make Stirling dementia friendly, were also discussed at a recent meeting of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration committee where members were provided with an update on plans to expand the type of changes made at Kings Park across the area.
Committee convenor, councillor Chris Kane said: “People living with dementia can face real challenges when confronted with confusing signage for something as simple as a public toilet, or become easily confused with maps or directions.
“We have a vision to change that and with the improvements made to Kings Park, and the work now planned across the rest of the council area, we hope to spread the message that our facilities should be open and accessible to be enjoyed by all.”
Dementia Friendly Stirling has been allocated £100,000 from the growth fund to support a wide range of activities and Dementia Friendly Stirling is in the final stages of action planning across a range of domains.
The plan will be fully developed and presented via presentation to the Adult Social Care Panel in September 2018 and within the development of the new strategic plan for the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.