Nurtured by Nature: Free Dementia-Friendly Walks with Dr Liz
Description
Join us for free, dementia-friendly nature walks.
Designed for people* living with dementia and the people who love and care for them.
This is your chance to have a mini retreat, a chance to be outside, away from the demands of the day. (My mom and grandmother had dementia; I get it. You need something easy and simple. This is it.)
Each walk is welcoming, positive and lasts two hours.
*As the walks are funded by Hobsons Bay City Council, residents have priority. However, if spots are available, we would welcome those from other councils.
What you can expect:
A warm welcome and relaxed pace
A calm, sensory-rich experience in a beautiful place.
Upbeat time with people who understand
A chance for carers to relax too, not just the person they're caring for
You'll be guided by Dr Liz Cyarto, Melbourne West's first Forest Therapy Guide, with over 30 years' experience running award-winning health programs.
Choose Your Walk:
Newport Lakes - Tuesday 27 October, 10:00 am
Logan Reserve / Altona Beach - Wednesday 4 November, 10:00 am
Williamstown Botanic Gardens - Thursday 12 November, 10:00 am
Newport Lakes - Saturday 14 November, 10:00 am
What is a Forest Therapy Walk?
It's a guided, slow sensory walk over a short distance. You'll be invited to notice sounds, textures, smells, and sights. Nature becomes the nurturer.
Forest therapy comes from Japan, where it's called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.
Doctors in Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, the US, and the UK prescribe nature time because ...
Researchers have discovered that time with trees lowers stress hormones, steadies blood pressure and heart rate, and even strengthens our immune system for weeks after.
Forest Therapy works especially well for people living with dementia, because there's nothing to remember and nothing to get right. Nature does the nourishing.
*Supported by Hobsons Bay City's Make It Happen Grant and auspiced by Outlets Co-operative Neighbourhood House Ltd. outletsco-op.com.au
FAQs
- Who is this for?
This is a dementia-friendly walk for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers, such as spouses and families.
- What happens if it is going to rain?
We do walk through gentle rain so bring your raincoats and umbrellas.
Walks are rescheduled for extreme weather events.
- Is there parking nearby?
Yes, Newport Lakes has free public parking.
- Are there accessible toilets at the walk locations?
Yes, there are accessible toilets across from the Newport Lakes parking lot.
- Do I need to book for both of us, or just one ticket per pair?
Book a ticket for each of you .
- Is this suitable for early-stage, mid-stage, or later-stage dementia?
We are walkng in natural environments with uneven ground. It is suitable for early and mid-stage people living with dementia.
- What should we bring?
A water bottle, sun hat and glasses. Sunscreen.
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any usual mobility aids. We provide tea at the end.
- Is it really free?
Yes, thanks to funding from Hobsons Bay City Council's Make It Happen Grant.
- Can we attend more than one of the four walks?
Yes, but please register for each seperately.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
