NEW dementia-friendly swimming sessions are to be held at a town's swimming pool in a bid to 'improve the lives of people with dementia.'

Ribble Valley Borough Council announced that the sessions, which are to be held at Ribblesdale Pool, are the latest in a string of initiatives to establish the area as a hub of dementia-friendliness.

Members of the council's community services committee gave the go-ahead for the sessions at their latest meeting.

Simon Hore, the committee’s chairman, said: “We have made significant progress in promoting community support for people with dementia through various initiatives, such as hosting dementia awareness sessions, developing a network of ‘dementia friends’ and training our staff in dementia awareness.

“Now we aim to host dementia-friendly swimming sessions, which will give people with dementia the opportunity to continue doing something they love, or try something new in a safe and supportive environment.”

Colin Winterbottom, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community leisure and sports development manager, added: “Swimming is a great all-round activity that is beneficial to everyone, particularly those living with dementia, as the sensation of being in water can be calming and soothing.

“Carers have busy, complex lives, and swimming is also a marvellous low-stress way for them to get exercise in a relaxed and friendly environment.

“Ribblesdale Pool staff are trained in dementia awareness and will be on hand to offer support during the sessions, but we are inviting people with dementia and their carers to tell us how and when they should take place.”