Residents with dementia and their carers can now attend a monthly walk in a local park with a friendly Pets as Therapy dog.

‘Walk with Ralph’ is part of Richmond's 'Friendly Parks for All programme,' which focuses on making the borough's parks suitable for all residents.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee, said: “In winter it is important to make time to get outside and these walks are designed to make it easy and accessible for everyone to do so.

"They are also a lot of fun and an opportunity to spend time with others and even in winter there is plenty of nature to see.”

The programme is specifically aimed at helping residents living with dementia as evidence shows that leading a physically active life - even in the latter stages of the diagnosis, can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing.

'Walk with Ralph' is a monthly walk that will take place in Kneller Gardens with a behaviourally assessed dog.

Pet Therapy is starting to gain recognition across the country as a way of supporting people with dementia where pets can help improve people’s mood, encourage social interaction, can have a calming effect and reduce challenging behaviours.

This free guided walk also encourages increased physical activity, along with the opportunity to meet new people and spend time enjoying nature.

The walk includes an opportunity to touch and stroke a friendly animal and is suitable for people in wheel chairs and with limited mobility.

For more information about the next walk or to register, email: parks@richmond.gov.uk