Latest news with #Cairngorms2030
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
New Edinburgh centre will help people with dementia experience health benefits of nature and the outdoors
A new centre which aims to unlock the power of nature to help people living with dementia has been officially opened in the grounds of Edinburgh's Lauriston Castle. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It follows the success of the UK's first outdoor dementia resource centre at Badaguish in the Cairngorms National Park. Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge was joined for the opening by the late Barbara Windsor's husband Scott Mitchell and Henry Simmons, chief executive of AlzheimerScotland, which is behind the initiative. The new centre will encourage people living with dementia, their families and carers to experience the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors. Picture: Neil Hanna. | Neil Hanna Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The East Enders legend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2024 and Mr Mitchell, who was married to her for 20 years before her death in 2020, was her carer for the last six years of her life. The new centre will offer a wide range of activities to help people with dementia connect with nature and the outdoors, such as gardening, cycling, walks and outdoor yoga. And it also aims to help families and carers to experience the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors. Lauriston lodge, in the castle grounds, has been restored to its former glory, with dementia-friendly design throughout. And the garden includes a red phone box and a bus stop designed to stimulate memories and conversation. Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and the late Barbara Windsor's husband Scott Mitchell cut the ribbon at the official opening. Picture: Neil Hanna. | Neil Hanna Mr Simmons said: 'People living with dementia can often become socially isolated, or struggle to access the outdoors, but our Lauriston centre will help to bring the benefits of nature directly to them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It has taken a lot of work to restore and adapt the old Lauriston lodge but it now looks fantastic. A special thank you goes to the former Forget-Me-Not Trust and Edinburgh City Council who helped make this project a reality." The Badaguish centre in the Cairngorms National Park opened two years ago as a flagship project of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, which aims to create the UK's first net zero national park and inspire communities across Scotland and beyond to take climate and wellbeing action. Lauriston Lodge as been extensively renovated and designed to be dementia friendly. | supplied Kenny Wright, manager at Badaguish, said: "We began our outdoor work with people living with dementia in the autumn of 2017, launching a pilot project based in a tipi tent near Loch Morlich once a month. Local people living with dementia clearly had a passion for connecting with nature - we could see there was scope to grow this idea. 'In 2022 we secured funding through the Cairngorms 2030 programme. This enabled Alzheimer Scotland to set up what might be the world's first dedicated outdoor resource centre for people with Dementia at Badaguish Outdoor Centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "We've really put our roots down there and branched out into local communities. Our colleagues at Alzheimer Scotland have really nurtured this idea and have now invested in this second outdoor dementia resource centre at Lauriston Castle. 'I'm delighted to see green health flourish within Alzheimer Scotland and become an important part of how we support people to live well with dementia across Scotland." David Clyne, head of Cairngorms 2030, said: "The project has become a supportive and vibrant community for people living with dementia and their loved ones, offering therapeutic nature-based activities and tailored support. "The creation of a second Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre in Edinburgh is a fitting legacy of Cairngorms 2030 and I wish the team at Lauriston Castle every success as they bring this pioneering green health initiative to a new audience."
STV News
4 days ago
- General
- STV News
Barbara Windsor's widower calls for more outdoor dementia centres across the UK
Scott Mitchell – the widower of Alzheimer's sufferer Dame Barbara Windsor – spoke to ITV News Scotland Reporter Louise Scott on a tour of a new outdoor dementia research centre in Edinburgh Scott Mitchell was married to Dame Barbara Windsor for 14 years before she was diagnosed with dementia. He became her primary carer until she passed away six years later. Scott is now an Alzheimer's ambassador and has travelled to Scotland to learn more about a new pioneering initiative which helps people with dementia and their carers to experience the benefits of spending time in nature. ITV News joined Scott in Edinburgh as he was given an exclusive tour of the UK's second outdoor dementia resource centre, ahead of its official opening this week. It has been inspired by the success of the first pioneering centre, in the Cairngorms National Park, which opened two years ago as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. These purpose-built centres provide a range of nature-focused activities including gardening, cycling, arts and music and aim to provide a space of calm and respite for those impacted by the disease. Scott Mitchell has become an active Alzheimer's campaigner. / Credit: ITV News Scott says he wants to see more of these specially designed spaces rolled out across the country. 'I think it's absolutely wonderful,' he told ITV News. 'This is something that needs to be rolled out all over the UK. 'We all know that being outside, being in nature, it's so good for you. It relieves stress, it can relieve depression, and all these things that come along with dementia, either for the person living with it or their carers. 'It's very stressful. It's isolating. It can feel very frustrating, very stressful at times. So to come to a space like this, it's just magical.' The design of the outdoor centre includes elements like a bus stop and a traditional red telephone box to evoke memories and conversations, something Scott believes Barbara would have loved. He said: 'Number one, she loved flowers. So straight away she would have been struck by all the colours. But I know that there would definitely have been a remark about the bus stop… she would have most likely marked out Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. 'Her dad was actually a bus conductor, so I know that that would have evoked that memory for her… and I think that is the most fantastic thing about this place, is it's going to evoke so many memories for the people who are coming here. 'Honestly, I think it's gold what you've got up here.' The new outdoor centre is based in Edinburgh. / Credit: ITV News Scott tried to take Barbara outdoors as much as possible, but privacy was an issue, which is why he believes these new specially designed centres are invaluable. He believes outdoor spaces like this will help allow more people with dementia and their carers to get outdoors safely, as they will be surrounded by people who understand. 'A difficult thing with Barbara, someone that's so recognisable, so loved, that it was hard to go out and walk on the streets and not have people want to come up and talk to her,' he explained. 'So a space like this for me would have been ideal. 'This has specifically been made for that purpose, where I'm going to mix with other people who are going through the same thing, because unless you've gone through it, unless you're caring for someone, it's a very hard thing to explain. 'I think if I would have had this, it could have made things so much easier.' Almost five years after losing Barbara, Scott says she is still a driving force in his life and he is determined to continue campaigning against dementia in her name. 'There were times that were so stressful, so painful mentally… watching someone I love be taken by this cruel disease was just unbearable,' he said. 'And I just remember I used to think I can't stop what's happening to her but if one day we can use her name to raise awareness, to make a difference, to maybe make changes, then that's what I'm going to do. Her legacy continues very much in the world of dementia.' The success of the first centre in the Cairngorms has inspired Alzheimer Scotland to bring the idea to Edinburgh, but they hope this is just the beginning and would also like to see more introduced across the UK. Centre co-ordinator Kenny Wright said: 'The vision is that people living with dementia, in any setting, can access nature. 'That might be people who are living at home or perhaps going to a day service in quite an urban environment or even people in hospital wards who can't get outside at all. But by having resources and tools that they can use to engage with nature across the UK, I think would be fantastic. 'During a cycling session, one of our participants said 'this has changed my life – I can go cycling again.' This drives home the importance of this project. We are helping people to get back to the things that have been a big part of their life.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
4 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Barbara Windsor's widower calls for 'magical' outdoor dementia centres to be rolled out nationwide
Scott Mitchell - the widower of Alzheimer's sufferer Dame Barbara Windsor - spoke to ITV News Scotland Reporter Louise Scott on a tour of a new outdoor dementia research centre in Edinburgh Scott Mitchell was married to Dame Barbara Windsor for 14 years before she was diagnosed with dementia. He became her primary carer until she passed away six years later. Scott is now an Alzheimer's ambassador and has travelled to Scotland to learn more about a new pioneering initiative which helps people with dementia and their carers to experience the benefits of spending time in nature. ITV News joined Scott in Edinburgh as he was given an exclusive tour of the UK's second outdoor dementia resource centre, ahead of its official opening this week. It has been inspired by the success of the first pioneering centre, in the Cairngorms National Park, which opened two years ago as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. These purpose-built centres provide a range of nature-focused activities including gardening, cycling, arts and music and aim to provide a space of calm and respite for those impacted by the disease. Scott says he wants to see more of these specially designed spaces rolled out across the country. 'I think it's absolutely wonderful," he told ITV News. "This is something that needs to be rolled out all over the UK. 'We all know that being outside, being in nature, it's so good for you. It relieves stress, it can relieve depression, and all these things that come along with dementia, either for the person living with it or their carers. 'It's very stressful. It's isolating. It can feel very frustrating, very stressful at times. So to come to a space like this, it's just magical.' The design of the outdoor centre includes elements like a bus stop and a traditional red telephone box to evoke memories and conversations, something Scott believes Barbara would have loved. He said: 'Number one, she loved flowers. So straight away she would have been struck by all the colours. But I know that there would definitely have been a remark about the bus stop… she would have most likely marked out Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. 'Her dad was actually a bus conductor, so I know that that would have evoked that memory for her… and I think that is the most fantastic thing about this place, is it's going to evoke so many memories for the people who are coming here. 'Honestly, I think it's gold what you've got up here.' Scott tried to take Barbara outdoors as much as possible, but privacy was an issue, which is why he believes these new specially designed centres are invaluable. He believes outdoor spaces like this will help allow more people with dementia and their carers to get outdoors safely, as they will be surrounded by people who understand. 'A difficult thing with Barbara, someone that's so recognisable, so loved, that it was hard to go out and walk on the streets and not have people want to come up and talk to her," he explained. "So a space like this for me would have been ideal. 'This has specifically been made for that purpose, where I'm going to mix with other people who are going through the same thing, because unless you've gone through it, unless you're caring for someone, it's a very hard thing to explain. "I think if I would have had this, it could have made things so much easier.' Almost five years after losing Barbara, Scott says she is still a driving force in his life and he is determined to continue campaigning against dementia in her name. 'There were times that were so stressful, so painful mentally… watching someone I love be taken by this cruel disease was just unbearable," he said. "And I just remember I used to think I can't stop what's happening to her but if one day we can use her name to raise awareness, to make a difference, to maybe make changes, then that's what I'm going to do. Her legacy continues very much in the world of dementia.' The success of the first centre in the Cairngorms has inspired Alzheimer Scotland to bring the idea to Edinburgh, but they hope this is just the beginning and would also like to see more introduced across the UK. Centre co-ordinator Kenny Wright said: 'The vision is that people living with dementia, in any setting, can access nature. "That might be people who are living at home or perhaps going to a day service in quite an urban environment or even people in hospital wards who can't get outside at all. But by having resources and tools that they can use to engage with nature across the UK, I think would be fantastic. 'During a cycling session, one of our participants said 'this has changed my life – I can go cycling again.' This drives home the importance of this project. We are helping people to get back to the things that have been a big part of their life.'
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh to get UK's second outdoor centre for people with dementia after success of pioneering initiative in Cairngorms
A new outdoor centre for people with dementia is to be launched next month in the grounds of Edinburgh's Lauriston Castle. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Studies suggest that contact with the natural world can offer comfort, stimulation and a sense of freedom and meaning for people living with dementia. And the centre will offer a wide range of nature-based pastimes and sessions such as gardening, reminiscence, outdoor relaxation, all designed to support participants as their needs evolve over time. Contact with nature can offer comfort, stimulation and a sense of freedom and meaning for people living with dementia. | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It will be only the second outdoor dementia centre in the UK and it has been inspired by the success of the first, at Badaguish in the Cairngorms National Park. Gillian Councill, of Alzheimer Scotland, which is behind the project, said: 'We are delighted to announce the development of our second Outdoor Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centre at Lauriston Castle. Following our successful experiences at Badaguish, we understand the profoundly positive impact such spaces have." The Badaguish centre opened two years ago as one of the National Park's 20 projects making up the Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. And it has become a hub for all sorts of activities and workshops inspired by the natural environment and changing seasons. Lauriston Lodge has been decorated inside in a style which will likely be familiar to those attending the centre. | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Councill said as their abilities reduced, people with dementia were less likely to get outside. "We were speaking to a lot of people who had spent their whole lives doing things in the outdoors and spending time in nature. People were saying they loved to go for walks but were worried they might get lost in the woods or were just generally finding things a bit more difficult. So we made it our goal to create a space where people could be supported to spend time in nature again. "Gardening is a really good activity because it's so accessible - people can engage in it in lots of different ways, from really getting stuck in and digging to very light touch, like smelling herbs." There are also music and art sessions inspired by nature and an all-ability cycling session, with a fleet of adapted bikes. And the therapeutic benefits of nature are not restricted to the participants themselves, with sessions also offering loved ones a welcome chance to take time for themselves, often going for walks with other carers. A red phone box and bus stop in the garden are intended to spark memories and conversation. | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Similar activities are likely to feature in the programme at Lauriston Castle, but Ms Councill said it would depend what people wanted. "We've talked about maybe gentle outdoor yoga, for example, but it's important to let the programme evolve based on demand locally." In addition to the outdoor activities, the new centre has the renovated Lauriston Lodge and the neighbouring Forget-Me-Not garden. The main room in the lodge has been decorated in a mid-century style that will likely be familiar to many of the people who will use the centre, and will help spark memories and conversations. The dementia-friendly design also extends to a red phone box and bus stop in the garden. And there is a glass-sided summer house which will allow them to look out on nature even when the weather is not good enough for venturing too far outside. Ms Councill said: 'Our new site is poised to become a haven where people will be able to immerse themselves in the restorative power of nature.'
STV News
22-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
New outdoor dementia centre to open following Cairngorms success
A new outdoor dementia resource centre will open its doors in Edinburgh next month. The facility at Lauriston Castle follows the success of Alzheimer Scotland's first outdoor centre in the Cairngorms. Since opening two years ago, the project at Badaguish has created a vibrant and supportive community for those living with dementia. Each week, participants take part in seasonally-based outdoor activities such as bird watching and all-ability cycling. But it's not just those with dementia who benefit, with dedicated sessions for carers to share experiences and to support each other. Marion, 81, has been coming with her husband Sandy since November last year. She said: 'I'm my husband's 24/7 carer. I never knew anything about Alzheimer's or dementia and I didn't realize it was so prevalent. 'For me as a carer, it's just something I couldn't have coped without. It helps me look after my husband and keep us together at home.' Centre co-ordinator Kenny Wright said: 'It's not just about what topic we're on, it's about how we deliver the session and trying to have a sensory approach. 'We'll get things that people can see, things they can touch, things they can hear – so coming to events like this has a wide range of impacts on people's physical and mental health.' The partnership is part of the Cairngorms 2030, a project supported by the the National Lottery Heritage Fund that explores the health benefits of spending time in nature. Alan Smith, outdoor learning and engagement manager at Cairngorms National Park, said: 'The benefits of being out in nature are well-known in terms of green health and it's an area that's increasingly being worked on in the Cairngorms National Park. 'I think a lot of people that live here with dementia now have grown up in the area and it sort of reconnects them to those past memories, which is sometimes the long-term ones that they remember. 'So coming back out to this place gives them a sense of connection again and a sense of identity so that they can remember who they are and where they've come from.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
