The Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company has been working in collaboration with Dementia Forward to launch a new campaign to support those living with dementia, and their family and carers, to make unforgettable memories along the world-famous Settle-Carlisle Railway.
The new initiative, Making Memories, gives a person living with dementia and their carer a trip along the iconic Settle Carlisle Railway, to create their own memories which they will be able to look back on. After the trip, they will be given a photobook to help them share their experience with friends and family.
The first of these Making Memories trips saw Wendy and Ernest (pictured) from Settle travel through the Eden Valley to Carlisle, to see Carlisle Cathedral, which they had a family connection with.
The couple said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the trip along the Settle-Carlisle Railway, and getting to visit a place that meant so much to us and our families.”
John Moorhouse, Chairman of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Dementia Forward to provide those living with dementia in our communities a very special day out. The Settle to Carlisle Railway was created to provide a social purpose to our communities. With over a million passengers travelling on the line each year, we are proud to continue to deliver social benefits that support and recognise those most in need.”
Debby Lennox, Community Liaison Manager at Dementia Forward, said: “The Settle-Carlisle Railway is important to many of the local people we support and holds lots of happy memories, so we are grateful to the Rail Development Company and Northern Rail for giving our clients the opportunity to have a wonderful day out and to reminisce.
“The Making Memories initiative perfectly complements the work that is being done, in partnership with thred CIC and Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, to ensure that the line is as accessible as possible to people living with dementia; so, they can access the towns they know and love, and explore new places, in confidence.”
The Making Memories trips will run monthly, and are part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Accessibility Project, which aims to make the railway accessible to all. For more information, please visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk.
