Was it raining? The Luton Dementia Awareness Walk Didn't Notice!

Luton Dementia Awareness Walk Stockwood Park

The inaugural Luton Dementia Awareness Walk took place on Sunday 28 September at Stockwood Park, but after a lovely sunny Autumn Saturday, the heavens opened all morning.

Although it rained on our parade, it didn’t dampen the spirits of our Dementia Awareness Walkers.

About 70 walkers braved the inclement weather, and 25 volunteers from Young@Heart Cafe, Music 24, and Rotary Luton Someries helped to ensure a pleasurable perambulation was had by all!

Despite the wet weather, several walkers who were already in Stockwood Park came across the Dementia Awareness Walk and chose to join us. Their spontaneous participation highlighted just how many people in Luton are affected by dementia.

Volunteers acted as guides along the 2-mile route around Stockwood Park and the perimeter of the Stockwood Golf Course.

Support organisations were present to provide information and signposting and answer concerns about dementia, including:

  • Nurses from the Dementia Specialist Nursing Team from the Luton & Dunstable and Bedford Hospitals

  • Support staff from the local Alzheimer's Society

  • Staff and volunteers from Music 24

  • Young@Heart Volunteers

  • Luton Rotary Someries members

All walkers were given a route map, and marshals were present at strategic points around the route.

At the end of the walk, we invited all participants to complete a feedback form to share their thoughts. Many highlighted how valuable it was to walk and talk about dementia with others facing similar experiences.

Everyone urged us to make the Dementia Awareness Walk an annual event - so fingers crossed for finer weather next year!

Here are some photos of our walkers and volunteers taken along the route:


Ian Christie