Yesterday (5/3/2025), we had a fantastic time on our dementia-friendly walk at Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend. With the sun shining and the air fresh, it was the perfect morning to enjoy gentle exercise, enjoyable conversation, and a sense of community.
Walking in nature has incredible benefits for those living with dementia, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage social interaction. But these walks aren’t just for them—they also offer much-needed support for carers, giving them the opportunity to take a break, connect with others in similar situations, and enjoy time outdoors together.
Being a carer can be isolating and emotionally demanding, and these moments to step away from daily responsibilities, share experiences, and find peer support can make all the difference. Our walks provide a relaxed environment where carers can chat, swap advice, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones in a stress-free setting.
Supporting Local Venues & Encouraging Community Engagement
One of the things we love about these walks is that they introduce people to unfamiliar places in their local area. By visiting venues like Bryngarw Country Park, we’re not only supporting local spaces but also helping those we work with discover places they can return to with family and friends.
Familiarity with these locations makes it easier for individuals living with dementia, carers, and loved ones to revisit, helping them to stay connected with their wider community. Engaging with local spaces also means staff and venues become more aware of the needs of those living with dementia, making Bridgend a more inclusive and supportive place for all.
A Beautiful Walk in a Stunning Setting
Bryngarw Country Park provided a wonderful setting for our walk, with its peaceful woodland paths, open meadows, and beautiful wetlands. Walking through the park, we spotted wildflowers beginning to bloom, birds in the trees, and the gentle flow of the River Garw.
The park has been part of the community for centuries, originally an estate dating back to the 16th century. Today, it’s an important green space for Bridgend, giving people the opportunity to enjoy nature, get some fresh air, and take part in local activities.
Coffee, Cake & Community
Of course, no walk would be complete without a refreshing stop at the on-site café! Sitting together with a coffee and a slice of cake, we had time to chat, reflect on the walk, and enjoy each other’s company. These small social moments are just as important as the walk itself, helping to build friendships and a sense of belonging.
For carers, these opportunities to relax and connect with others in a welcoming, understanding environment are invaluable. Many carers put their own well-being on hold while supporting a loved one, so having a chance to pause, share experiences, and simply enjoy a break is incredibly beneficial.
By choosing to stay local and support nearby venues like the on-site café at Bryngarw Country Park, we not only bolster our community's economy but also align with the Welsh Government's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Reducing travel distances helps decrease our carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Wales.
Looking Ahead
We’re already planning our next gathering—a picnic in the park! Spending time outdoors, staying active, and building connections with others is something we’ll continue to encourage. These outings support well-being, boost confidence, and help individuals engage with their community outside of MHM Wales.
If you’d like to join us on our next walk or activity, we’d love to see you there!
Here’s to more days of sunshine, fresh air, and shared moments in our wonderful local community—for those living with dementia and for the carers who support them every step of the way.
For further information and support, please contact the Dementia Hwb at:
Telephone: 01656 649557
Email: bdh@mhmwales.org.uk
Website: www.mhmwales.org.uk
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Please note: MHM Wales is not a crisis service and cannot reply to messages outside of business hours.
For immediate assistance, please contact the following helplines:
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line): 0800 132 737
NHS Direct Wales: 0845 46 47
These resources are available to provide support and guidance for individuals living with dementia, their carers, and families.
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