A GROUP of elderly people living with dementia in Winsford went for a walk with alpacas as part of a Brightlife funded project.

Bright memories is a project that focuses on providing support services for people with dementia, and their carers, in Winsford and surrounding areas of Chester.

These services include a popular outdoor activity group and recently, the group decided to try something a bit different by going on a stroll with alpacas in Great Budworth.

Bright Memories is run by Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust along with partners Age UK Cheshire and Alzheimer’s Society. All these organisations share the same, important goal of providing support and services that aim to have a positive impact on the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

Kate Bibby, outdoor activities coordinator for Age UK Cheshire, said: “It’s proven that spending time outdoors has both physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. The dementia friendly walking group we run with Bright Memories each week is a great way for people with dementia and their carers to get outdoors and explore a different surrounding.

“We usually do walks along footpaths and offer a mixture of short or longer walks to enable people with differing ability and mobility levels to take part.

“We wanted to do something a bit different with the group and arranged for them to go to walk with the animals at Great Budworth Alpaca Walking.

“It was a great day and the nine attendees thoroughly enjoyed having an animal companion walking alongside them. If you have dementia or care for someone who has it, please come and join us.”