A sculpture of a Chesterfield armchair was chosen toraise awareness for dementia in Twickenham at a display on Heathfield Recreation Ground

Let’s Go Outside & Learn and the Alzheimer’s Society Richmond turned to Richmond upon Thames College’s (RuTC) Art and Design students and asked for a piece of work as a focal point for the dementia-friendly park.

Hilary Dodd, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Richmond, said: “Richmond Council has been doing great work to make their parks more accessible for the 2,100 people with dementia in Richmond.

“The winning design by a Richmond upon Thames College student is a great addition to Heathfield Recreation Park which helps to improve the physical and mental health of visitors, especially those affected by dementia.”

Richmond Mayor Cllr Ben Khosa was on hand to cut the ribbon for the opening of the sculpture.

It was designed by Aleksandra Piechocinska, who studied Level 2 Art and Design at RuTC.

What made the design stand out amongst the rest of the designs was the home comfort and peace that it represented. Made in weathered steel by a local company, it is a now a part of the park’s trail which inspires visitors to explore nature.

Toby Rye, Art and Design Teacher at RuTC, said: “It was excellent to see, and be part of, the culmination of so many people’s hard work. Aleksandra’s design has been constructed so well and will be a testament to her creativity for years to come.”

Cllr Khosa said: “This eye-catching sculpture is a focal point in the park and a visible reminder of how important feeling safe is for vulnerable people. The large sculpture has a practical purpose too, as it been designed to help people with dementia to navigate their way around the park safely.

“Heathfield Rec is now well on its way to becoming one of our Friendly Parks for All, making it more accessible especially for people with dementia and their carers.”