THE Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line has become part of the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance to improve the experience of visitors with dementia and their carers and families.

The railway, which claims to be the largest visitor attraction in Hampshire to be taking part in the project, has been busy working toward becoming ‘dementia aware’ through an ambitious training and awareness programme for its permanent staff and 450 volunteers.

The initiative, started as part of its extensive outreach programme through the Heritage Lottery Fund-supported restoration of the flagship steam locomotive Canadian Pacific, now reaches all aspects of the railway.

Dr Becky Peacock, outreach and interpretation officer for the Mid Hants Railway, 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.”

And she added: “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.”

And the dementia awareness project doesn’t stop there. 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 designed to stimulate discussion, revive memories and create an enriching and happy day out at the railway.

In addition, groups can use these boxes during their journey or as part of a session led by the Watercress Line’s specialist education team – an opportunity for group members to chat, share memories or just get to know one another in a safe, understanding and non-threatening environment on the round-trip train journey through the Hampshire countryside.

To book use of the Basket of Memories, visit watercressline.co.uk.