Tibbs Dementia Foundation attracts further support
Launch of a Nordic-style walking programme
The Rotary Club of Barton-le-Clay are very
pleased to continue their support for the Bedford
based charity Tibbs Dementia Foundation.
Following a recent donation, which allowed the charity to
operate one of their day centres, the Rotary Club have now
enabled the charity to launch a Nordic-style walking
programme. This has been made possible through the
purchase of 4 pairs of specialist walking poles. These poles,
which have been specifically designed by an occupational
therapist, have a special handle which enables people to hold
the pole without having to grip tightly (see photo) and special
rubber feet. These features are significant aids to walking as
they provide for greater balance and stability. Rotary President
Bob Knowles presented the 4 pairs
of poles to Sarah Russell, CEO of
Tibbs at the first Nordic-style
walking session held on 6
September in Priory Park Bedford.
A group of 14 people with
dementia and their carers had the
opportunity of using the poles and benefitting from
the greater freedom it gave them because of the
improved steadiness and stability. In presenting
the poles Bob Knowles said “The Rotary Club are
delighted to have been
able to assist the charity
in this way by giving
people with dementia
the freedom and
opportunity to fully enjoy
walking in this beautiful
park”. In thanking the
Rotary Club Sarah Russell said that “Tibbs is
extremely grateful to the generosity of the Rotary
Club and stressed how important walking is to the
health and well-being of people with dementia” and
she commented that “it is quite amazing the
difference there has been in people now that they are
able to walk using the special poles”. The availability
of these poles will extend the range of activities
available by enabling Tibbs to offers Nordic style
walking every 2 weeks.