Dementia walking group in Portsmouth is praised

Portsmouth City Council launched the Social Strollers dementia walking group in April to provide companionship and a healthy lifestyle.

So far, the group has proved popular.

Member Merelyn Bishop cares for her husband Alan who has dementia.

She said: ‘As a carer I appreciate the opportunity to walk with other people in a group.

‘We don’t just walk, we go to interesting places that evoke memories of the past which are more accessible to someone living with dementia.’

It is hoped the start will attract more people to join the group.

Cllr Luke Stubbs, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: ‘It is great to hear the impact our new walking group is having.

‘As word spreads I hope it can go from strength to strength.’

Social Strollers meet at the John Pounds Centre, on Queen Street, at 1.30pm every Tuesday.