THE WATERCRESS Line has become part of the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance.

As part of its extensive outreach programme, it is bidding to improve the experience of visitors with dementia, their carers and their families.

The railway is the largest visitor attraction in Hampshire to be taking part in the project. It has been running a training and awareness programme for its permanent staff and 450 volunteers.

Dr Becky Peacock, outreach and interpretation officer for the Watercress Line, said: “The railway attracts people of all ages, including significant numbers of older visitors.

“Some of these will be living with dementia and we want to provide the best possible experience for them.

“It is important to us that they know when they visit the railway they will have a safe and peaceful space with understanding staff on hand where they can experience the joy of steam.

“The training sessions aim to change the way staff think about dementia and how they can help to improve people’s quality of life with simple steps. They have a great impact on our staff, improving their understanding of our visitors but also of people living with dementia in the wider world.”

But the Dementia Awareness project doesn’t stop there, as visitors and their carers can also borrow the railway’s ‘Basket of Memories’ as part of their experience. This is filled with items from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s such as photographs, artefacts and musical snippets.

These are all designed to stimulate discussion, revive memories and create an enriching and happy day out at the steam railway attraction.

Groups can also use the boxes during their journey or as part of a led session by the Watercress Line’s specialist education team.