Celebrating Movement and Community at the First Ever Live Longer Better with Dementia Celebration Day

On Friday 6th June 2025, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) proudly hosted its first Live Longer Better with Dementia Celebration Day event, championing physical activity and community engagement for people living with Dementia and their carers.

Held at Wodson Park Leisure Centre in Ware, the event welcomed 136 attendees, including individuals living with Dementia, their families and carers, along with professionals eager to better understand and support inclusive physical activity in Hertfordshire. The event was made possible through the generous support of East Herts District Council, Hertfordshire County Council and in partnership with the newly launched Memory Support Hertfordshire service.

Attendees arrived from across the county, many via minibus from local care homes and day centres, highlighting the importance of accessible and inclusive events that reach those who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

The day offered an exciting and varied programme of activities, including Chair Yoga, Walking Football, Flower Arranging, Adaptive Cycling, Hertfordshire Health Walks, Short Mat Bowls, Movement for Memory, Strength & Balance, Circle Dancing, Dementia Friendly Theatre as well as Dementia Friends sessions.

These activities gave attendees the chance to try new things, reconnect through movement and gain valuable insights into local services that promote health and inclusion.

The event also featured an informative marketplace of local organisations and services working to support those living with Dementia. Deputy Lieutenant Mark Bretton MBE TD DL and his wife Leah were among the attendees, engaging with participants and praising the initiative. The Deputy Lieutenant commented:

Dementia is a challenge for so many families and it was both great and humbling to meet so many people determined to make the lives of those affected, their families and carers as joyous as possible. Huge credit must go to the Herts County Council's Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire team for putting on such an excellent day.

The atmosphere throughout the day was warm, energetic and full of smiles. Feedback from some of the attendees included:

• What a fabulous day – enjoyable, well worthwhile, rewarding.
• Great idea to experience the different activities available for us.
• Activities very varied and enjoyable – and a lot to be learned.

At its heart, the Live Longer Better with Dementia Celebration Day aimed to empower individuals through movement, boost independence and showcase the wealth of support available within the community. Events like this are a key part of changing the way we think, talk, and act about Dementia, placing movement and connection at the centre.

For more information on future initiatives and Dementia-friendly activities in Hertfordshire, please contact: info@livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk