Groundbreaking dementia friendly garden launches to help people affected by condition in Leeds

The garden has been designed with help from University of Stirling research. Credit: ITV

A groundbreaking garden that has been specially designed to support people with dementia has opened in south Leeds.

Campaigners from the Dementia Friendly Rothwell campaign have raised 35 thousand pounds to build the facility in Springhead Park, Rothwell.

It has been designed with help from researchers at the University of Stirling and features handrails, armchair benches and raised flower beds filled with sensory plants.

Dementia Friendly Rothwell campaigner Peter Smith is behind the project. He also runs a series of dementia cafes in the area and has been awarded a British Empire Medal by the Queen for his work.

Mr Smith's campaign, which was launched in 2011, has also seen dozens of businesses and organisations given dementia awareness training.

The garden has been built around the park's existing aviary and was supported through grants from the likes of Leeds City Council and Rothwell and District Live at Home Scheme.

It is hoped that the facility, which is one of the first of its kind in the UK, will stop people with dementia from becoming isolated and stimulate their minds.