Pedal powered fun for people living with young onset dementia
A cycling session has brought together people from Oxfordshire living with young onset dementia, helping them to get back in the saddle and meet new friends.
Organised by Dementia Oxfordshire – a service provided by Age UK Oxfordshire with funding support from Oxfordshire County Council – the Bike and Banter sessions welcome adults who have been diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65, supporting them to stay active and independent on their bikes.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver social care support closer to home, enabling people to live well and independently within their own communities. It’s something we call The Oxfordshire Way.
“Dementia Oxfordshire’s Bike and Banter event is a great example of this in action, offering practical support as well as an opportunity to come together and share experiences with other people going through similar things.”
As part of Dementia Action Week, Dementia Oxfordshire’s young onset dementia team welcomed 20 people from across the county to take part in a morning of pedal power at the Horspath Athletics and Sports Ground in Oxford.
Experts from CyclAbility, a not-for-profit community interest company, were also on hand to offer training to the group, helping the participants to stay safe on their bikes.
Young onset dementia adviser, Lisa Inglis, said: “When someone has a diagnosis of young onset dementia, they often think that they have to give up some of the things they really enjoy, but often that’s not the case.
“Cycling is such a big part of Oxford’s culture, and many of the people we support have enjoyed cycling for many years. CyclAbility’s expertise in making cycling safe and enjoyable in a managed environment is absolutely key, and we’re delighted to be working alongside them.”
For Oxford resident Des O’Sullivan, who regularly attends other activities organised by the young onset dementia team, it was a great opportunity to get back in the saddle and enjoy the fresh air.
Des said: “It was a great morning and thoroughly enjoyable!”
Bike and Banter is just one of many events run by the young onset dementia team at Dementia Oxfordshire. These include regular meet-ups in the pub, a walking group, outdoor games and an online support group for families.
Around 70,000 people nationally have a diagnosis of young onset dementia, defined as dementia that’s diagnosed in someone who is under 65. As well as organising events, Dementia Oxfordshire’s young onset dementia advisers offer ongoing practical and emotional support and guidance not just about dementia, but also around financial and legal matters, employment, benefits and planning for the future.
More information about other events and the support available for people living with young onset dementia, can be found on the Dementia Oxfordshire website.
Find out more about CyclAbility online.
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