Former nurse grows community venture

A Gateshead community interest company is helping people living with dementia, Parkinson’s and isolation stay active and connected through music, movement and conversation.

Pathways to Blossom was founded by former nurse Trudy Carruthers and delivers adapted “brain gymnastics” sessions designed to support memory, coordination and social connection.

Using music from the 1940s through to the 1980s, the sessions combine seated exercise with rhythm, recall and gentle movement, helping participants stay mentally and physically active in a fun and accessible way.

The sessions are based on the “Love to Move” programme developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation and are designed for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and loneliness.

Trudy said: “There’s a lot more people now being diagnosed younger with dementia, even in their 50s, so we use music from different eras that people connect with. 

“People come along and they’re laughing, singing and enjoying themselves, but all the while they’re working both sides of the brain. 

“It’s brilliant to watch.

“It’s mainly seated exercise and it’s suitable for everyone. 

“I’ve got people aged 65 and people aged 95 attending. 

“There’s no age limit and we never turn anyone away.”

Pathways to Blossom is now moving towards charitable status, with Trudy hoping to expand its reach across the North East and support more families.

Alongside the movement sessions, the organisation also raises awareness around brain tumours and encourages families to have open conversations about end-of-life wishes.

The causes are deeply personal to Trudy, whose mother died two years ago after initially being misdiagnosed despite having four brain tumours.

She added: “Because I had a nursing background, I knew what questions to ask and who to speak to. 

“I pushed for medication that would make my mum more comfortable, and I used my voice to advocate for her. 

“People should feel empowered to speak up more about healthcare and ask for what their loved ones need.

“When someone passes away, you’re already grieving. 

“The last thing you need is the stress of not knowing what they wanted. 

“We want to help make those difficult conversations a little easier.”

Trudy hopes Pathways to Blossom will continue growing as a source of support, friendship and advocacy across the region.

She added: “We want to open more doors, help more people and hopefully bring more people into the organisation so we can reach communities that really need this support.”

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