Kendal’s Walking Rugby Community Brings Dementia-friendly Sessions To Life

Members of Kendal Auld Greys walking rugby group are supporting monthly dementia-friendly ball skills sessions at Kendal Rugby Club, giving people living with dementia and their carers an opportunity to take part in adapted activities.

The initiative brings volunteers from the walking rugby group together with social enterprise Dignity in Dementia to run Rugby Ball Skills sessions for people living with dementia and their carers.

For Peter Halsall, a co-ordinator of the Auld Greys, the “main success metric is how much laughing there is”.

The idea grew from the walking rugby group’s own experience. Some people living with dementia had come along to try walking rugby and could take part with one-to-one support, but found the group format difficult.

There was an appetite to participate but the question was how to offer something that worked for them.

Peter approached Dignity in Dementia, whose response was enthusiastic. The resulting sessions cater for those who are mobile and those who participate seated.

The idea grew from the walking rugby group’s own experience. Some people living with dementia had come along to try walking rugby and could take part with one-to-one support, but found the group format difficult. There was an appetite to participate but the question was how to offer something that worked for them. Peter approached Dignity in Dementia, whose response was enthusiastic. The resulting sessions cater for those who are mobile and those who participate seated. — Pic credit: Kendal Auld Greys walking rugby group

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Activities include relay games, throwing balls into a bucket and catching practice with different-sized foam rugby balls.

The programme has also made room for skittles and beachball volleyball, which Peter reports has been a particular success.

What began with rugby in mind has become a broader mix of ball games, shaped around how people can participate rather than a conventional version of the rugby itself.

Peter describes the activity as “disorganised chaos!” and has noticed how strongly familiar catching and throwing skills can remain.

He describes participants responding to a ball even when conversation is difficult, with the movements themselves offering a way to take part.

Jenny Connor from Dignity in Dementia said: “The sessions offer so many benefits for people living with dementia and their family carers. The activities are a fun and enjoyable way to improve hand-eye coordination, balance and physical confidence, while providing an opportunity to try something new in a relaxed and supportive environment.

“The volunteers from the Auld Greys are fantastic at adapting the activities to suit everyone’s abilities and levels of mobility, ensuring that everyone can get involved and enjoy the sessions.

“What makes these sessions particularly special is the wonderful sense of community and friendship that has developed. They have become much more than just a physical activity; they provide a valuable support network where people living with dementia and their family carers can socialise, share experiences and enjoy time together. The sessions are thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attends, and it is lovely to see the laughter, smiles and connections they bring.”

For a walking rugby group that has been going for around ten years and has supported charities in recent years, this is a hands-on way to help. And the enjoyment isn’t confined to those attending, as Peter puts it: “Us volunteers – we love it!”

Source: https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/kendals-walking-rugby-community-brings-dementia-friendly-sessions-life

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