Parkhaven Trust has the immense gift of acres of Parkland. Thus many of our services are located in a beautiful setting which undoubtedly rubs off in a positive way on our service users, whether by having a green expansive outlook or the opportunity to walk the grounds, or enjoy some gardening within the grounds.
Part of the vision for the Trust is to develop a health and social care park and a crucial component of that is our one mile path. This path meanders through our grounds and is open to the general public. In an article in the Times on the 17th November 2010, its headline claimed that ‘a brisk half hour walk each day will keep you healthy and sane’.Contributors to the article remarked on the creativity that is unlocked with walking, the sense of well being that is felt. It was said that you never come back from a walk feeling worse. ‘Walking restores awareness’. As a regular walker myself, you never get bored even on the same routes; the light may be different, the birds will be different, the trees will be different and underfoot will be different, whether it is the crisp snow or the leaf strewn paths. Walking can unblock blockages; it is a time for thinking and reflection.
Exercise is recommended as one of the activities to try and prevent, stave off dementia. Thus our one mile path is part of our array of services both to support people with dementia, but also as part of the prevention.
Chief Executive
2.12.10
The Parkhaven Mile Path
