The Weardale Railway in County Durham recently provided a special heritage train journey for people living with dementia and their carers.

The journey provided a memorable day out through the Durham Dales in support of National Dementia Week, which raises awareness about the disease and encourages greater understanding and support for those with dementia and their families.

Around 50 to 60 passengers joined a heritage diesel multiple unit (DMU) at Bishop Auckland West for a journey to Stanhope, enjoying the scenic Weardale landscape along the way. During the journey, the train stopped at several viewpoints where passengers could enjoy the countryside in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The special day was the brainchild of Kim Wallace, Dementia Advisor for the Durham and Sunderland area with the Alzheimer’s Society, who approached the Weardale Railway with the idea for creating a meaningful shared experience for people affected by dementia.

Throughout the day, volunteers from the Weardale Railway were on hand to support the passengers and to ensure that everyone’s journey was accessible and enjoyable. To complement their train journey, the passengers enjoyed a singalong with The Weardale Warblers, a community choir based in Wolsingham.

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at the Weardale Railway, declared the railway delighted to be working alongside the Alzheimer’s Society on this important initiative. The volunteers were proud to support the event, which brought people together and offered them a unique and enjoyable experience.

Last October, the Weardale Railway won a Northumbria in Bloom award for four specially shaped planters that volunteers had created at Stanhope Station in the shape of locomotives that represent the railway. In January, train operator Northern ran a special train from Darlington along the Weardale Railway, which raised £3,200 for two County Durham charities, The Angel Trust and 123help4familys.

“During Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society is raising awareness of the devastation caused by dementia and the vital support available. We worked closely with Weardale Railway to bring more than 50 people living with dementia and their carers together for a journey through the Weardale Valley. Passengers had time to enjoy music from a local community choir, share afternoon tea and take part in meaningful activities like planting forget-me-nots and reflecting on special memories. Moments like these can help spark memories, reduce isolation and create a real sense of joy and connection.

There are currently around one million people in the UK with dementia, including over 41,000 in the North East. It’s important that people affected by dementia can access the support they need, and days like this help create a sense of connection and community for our local service users.”

Mathew Milner, Alzheimer’s Society’s Local Communities and Volunteering Lead