Medway Council is encouraging residents to take part in new sports sessions tailored for people living with dementia.
The sports and exercise sessions take place every first and third Monday of the month at Medway Park in Mill Road, Gillingham. There are different activities each week including gym sessions, table tennis and beginners running. Each session is run by a Dementia Friend and participants can enjoy quiet time in the café afterwards.
Medway Park was given Dementia Friendly status earlier this month by the Medway Dementia Action Alliance.
People living with dementia can also attend tranquil swim sessions at Hoo Sports Centre every Wednesday and Friday from 11.30am to 1pm. The sessions are run in partnership with Swim England and are dementia friendly.
All of Medway’s sports centres also offer a range of senior sports activities tailored for older residents including badminton, short mat bowls, chairfit and aerobics.
Residents aged 60 and above can also swim for free at Medway Park, Strood Sports Centre, Hoo Sports Centre, Splashes Pool and The Strand with a free swimming card.
Pleased to offer specialist sessions
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “We are pleased to offer specialist sports sessions for residents living with dementia. It is incredibly important that residents of all ages continue to stay active. Not only is Medway Park an elite sporting venue which hosts national and international sporting events it has also been given Dementia Friendly status too which is testament to the hard work of our sports team.”