Green Care

Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges we face as a society. It's consequences, even in the early stages, can be devastating, impacting not only the individual but also their family, friends and community. Many people living with dementia lose confidence in their ability to be outside, their lives shrink and become trapped by the relative safety of their home.

We know that physical activity and mental stimulation can have a positive impact on people living with dementia. We have seen participants become engaged and talkative, with smiles brightening their faces, simply through watching the chickens, holding a tortoise or smelling herbs.

This programme helps people living with dementia, and their carers, to take a break from being inside four walls. Our minibus, which has disabled access, can pick up and drop off participants from their homes. Activities range from simply sitting watching the chickens, to having a walk around the woods, to standing under an umbrella and smelling the rain-soaked ground. If we can't get outside we bring it indoors, with gardening, green craft and small animals such as the tortoises.