Care home staff and residents to walk 1 million steps to support Dementia UK

Staff and residents at Barley View care home in Whitworth are aiming to rack up a massive 1 million steps throughout May to help raise money for Dementia UK.

Organised by Gemma Howarth, activities coordinator at Barley View, the fundraiser looks set to surpass its initial £250 target, with 100% of donations going to support the work of Dementia UK.

The purpose-built care home, which opened in 2019, benefits from its own dedicated dementia community providing specialist support for residents living with the condition -providing residential and respite care as well as specialist provision.

Alongside their impressive steps target, the team at Barley View are also planning to hold a Whitworth community cake sale once Covid-19 restrictions permit. In the meantime, Gemma will be hosting a small cake sale for staff and residents at the care home.

The funds raised will help Dementia UK as they continue to train, develop, and support admiral nurses across the UK who work alongside people with dementia and their families, providing compassionate one-to-one support, guidance, and practical solutions.

 

 

Gemma said: “I chose to fundraise for Dementia UK as it’s so close to my heart - as I know it is for many of my colleagues. I have always wanted to learn as much as I can to help provide good quality care and make a difference in someone’s life who is living with dementia.

“The money we raise will help dementia nurses provide vital support to people and families living with dementia.”

Daughter of a Barley View resident, Gillian Bamford said: “As a carer for my mum with dementia, I know she really benefits from walking outside. With a little exercise in the fresh air, she sleeps better, is more alert, and communication is improved.”

Barley View’s fundraising efforts this May will coincide with Dementia Action Week (17 - 23 May). Led by Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Week is an annual national event that aims to bring people together to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

If you would like to support the Barley View team, you can donate via Facebook here.