Dementia friendly walking football kicks off in Petersfield

Two sessions of walking football have now taken place at the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield, after launching earlier in May.

The scheme was set up by Jeff Williams and Duncan Cameron and is supported by East Hampshire District Council.

The fortnightly group meet to help people living with dementia, and their carers, to get out and enjoy some activity as well as socialising.

Jeff has been involved with supporting those with dementia for many years, currently with Dementia Friends Petersfield. He believes that physical activity can have a great impact on those living with dementia.

"The old saying, what's good for your heart is good for your brain, has certainly been proven conclusively in the Dementia Friendly football in Petersfield.

"The change where their long term memory comes in has been fantastic, it's really great to see.

"It's amazing. The carers are here, everyone gets involved. It's a real group activity, whether you're a spectator or a player."

Duncan Owns Right at Home care and believes that dementia friendly football would be beneficial to other communities throughout Hampshire, not just Petersfield.

Duncan and Jeff set up the group in the hope that playing the sport would reignite old memories for those with dementia.

Duncan said:

"It's just been fantastic, the whole thing's been really good.

"And then a couple of guys who have dementia and watching them, sort of, blossom almost whilst they go to play football, it's amazing. It is quite amazing to watch.

"It's like muscle memory and they absolutely love it."

The next session for the walking football club is Monday June 13 at 11:00am at the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield.