Different landscapes and scenes mean different things to all of us, some people see noise and crime when they think of an urban landscape whereas others might see the excitement of the hustle and bustle. Landscapes and scenery can bring about a range of different emotions, memories and feelings and what’s really interesting is that we can all react differently to the same image. Continue reading
Dementia Adventure Q&A
This month we chat with Neil Mapes from Dementia Adventure
Hi Neil can you tell us a bit about Dementia Adventure?
Dementia Adventure is most widely known for our adventure holidays and short breaks and we have recently delivered our 50th holiday. Last year we worked with the Sensory Trust to design and deliver a holiday in Cornwall which included nature based activities at the Eden Project amongst a full itinerary. Continue reading
Getting to know you
We have recently developed a new resource, Getting to know you – conversations about nature. We have had lots of positive feedback from our first Getting to know you activity so we decided to extend it and offer some more ideas for conversations around plants and flowers that are stimulated by sensory clues. Continue reading
Painting by nature
Painting by nature is a great way to explore the different textures and shapes of natural objects to create something beautiful. What’s more you don’t even need to be feeling particularly creative! We recently tested this activity with some dementia carers groups in London and have been really pleased with the results; this isn’t just about Continue reading
Finding the diamond in the day
This month we chat with Carol who cares for her husband Ken. Carol has been a member of our Natural Yarns activity club, which connects people with dementia and their carers with nature and the outdoors. Carol and Ken have an amazing positive attitude towards life, taking each day as it comes.
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
My beloved husband Ken has been ill since 1994 and 6 years ago was diagnosed with both vascular dementia and inoperable spinal stenosis. Continue reading
Q&A with Sydenham Garden; dementia, nature & outdoors
This month we chat to Rose Pickering – dementia project lead at Sydenham Garden. Rose works to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia by incorporating nature and the outdoors.
Can you give a brief outline of what you do at Sydenham Garden and the type of people you work with?
Sydenham Garden is a unique wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people in their recovery from mental and physical ill-health in Lewisham, London. Continue reading
Why I set up a Memory Cafe: the student with the grand plan
We chat with Ellie Robinson Carter who, as a student set up Penryn Memory Cafe.
Why did you decide to set up Penryn Memory Cafe?
As a student at York University I led a memory café for people living with dementia in the local area. This came about when I lost my grandfather to dementia; I sought to understand his journey, and help others whose lives were also affected by dementia. On moving to Penryn, to study for my MA I wanted to continue volunteering with people living with dementia. Continue reading
