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.