Discover how Active Connections is helping people living with dementia across Torfaen get active, enjoy the outdoors, build friendships and make new memories.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Active Connections at Age Connects Torfaen is bringing people together through sport, nature and meaningful social experiences. The project supports people living with dementia, alongside their carers, families and supporters, to stay active, feel connected and continue doing the things they love.
But Active Connections is about so much more than exercise or outdoor activities. It is about creating a welcoming community where everyone feels valued, included and able to take part in experiences that bring enjoyment, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Woodland Connections: Nature, friendship and adventure
There is something special about spending time outdoors. Whether it is the fresh air, the sound of birdsong or simply sharing a conversation along a woodland path, nature provides wonderful opportunities to relax, reconnect and enjoy the moment.
Our Woodland Connections programme offers a range of welcoming activities, including:
- Woodland Wanderers – guided walks through beautiful natural surroundings.
- Stride & Thrive – walking groups that encourage movement and friendship.
- Nature & Natter – gentle social walks with plenty of time to chat.
- Canal Cruisers – canal-side walks and opportunities to connect.
- Twigs & Tales – sessions celebrating friendship and shared experiences.
- Roots of Remembrance – reminiscence activities that bring memories to life.
- Flames & Friendships – outdoor cooking and time together around the fire.
- Kindling & Keepsakes – creative campfire crafts.
- Fire & Flourish – bespoke sessions for families.
- Campfire & Connections – intergenerational gatherings that bring people together.
From sharing stories around a campfire to enjoying a peaceful walk, every session offers the chance to make connections, try something new and create meaningful memories.
Sports Connect: Move more, feel stronger
You don’t have to be a seasoned sportsperson to get involved! Sports Connect offers accessible, supportive activities that help people keep moving, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team.
Our programme includes:
- Touch & Go Walking Rugby Club – a fun, inclusive way to enjoy rugby-inspired activity.
- Strength & Mobility – exercises to support movement and physical wellbeing.
- Tee Time Together – golf driving range sessions for all abilities.
- Bootcamp Boost – supported gym sessions to encourage strength and fitness.
- Punch & Power Boxercise – energetic, adapted boxing-inspired exercise.
Whether trying Walking Rugby for the first time or enjoying a familiar activity, participants are encouraged to take part at their own pace and in a way that suits their interests and abilities.
Why Active Connections matters
Living with dementia should never mean giving up the activities, friendships and experiences that make life enjoyable.
Active Connections creates opportunities to:
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Build confidence and support independence.
- Create dementia-friendly and inclusive communities.
- Support carers and families as well as the person living with dementia.
- Develop meaningful friendships and shared experiences.
Our person-centred approach recognises that everyone is different. Activities are shaped around individual interests, abilities and goals, helping participants feel comfortable, supported and encouraged.
Sometimes the biggest difference comes from the simplest things: a walk with friends, a shared laugh, learning a new skill or feeling part of a group where everyone is welcome.
What’s next for Active Connections?
We are excited about the opportunities ahead and our plans to build on the project’s early success.
Over the coming months, we aim to:
- Increase the number of weekly sessions available.
- Welcome more participants from across the region.
- Develop seasonal dementia-friendly sports programmes for summer and winter.
- Expand Walking Rugby and our adapted activity offer.
- Introduce more family and loved-one campfire events to strengthen relationships and create shared memories.
- Extend delivery into neighbouring boroughs, reaching more people and communities who could benefit.
Active Connections is growing into a community where people can thrive, discover new interests and continue doing the things that matter most to them.
Could you or someone you know benefit?
Referrals are open to people living with dementia or a memory impairment, unpaid carers, family members and supporters.
We would love to hear from you and help you discover which activities might be right for you.
