Dementia Sensory Garden
We have shared with you before our plans to create a sensory garden behind the Youth Club and Library, where both dementia sufferers and those caring for them will be able to go for a little “time-out”. This project has been delayed due to the overrun of other work and the need to prioritise tasks but we are very keen indeed to get it finished – or, at least, to get it started!
Dementia sufferers often find that noise and bustle confuse them and they become anxious in noisy environments. Carers, too, often value a bit of peace and quiet in which to reflect or sit quietly with their relative. The idea of a sensory garden is to have plants with colour, texture and scent – perhaps old favourites with familiar smells to remind people of days gone by at home – all in raised beds so that even those who aren’t as mobile can get to experience them. The garden will hopefully be a place where we can get a moment’s peace in surroundings which uplift and comfort, without going too far from home.
Last time, I was a little downcast because we hadn’t had much response but things are now moving along. We have had the kind gift of a lovely bench in memory of a relative (to be safely stored until we can put it in situ) and plants are being grown for us as we speak – though, of course, we’d like more! At the time of writing, we have yet to hear the outcome of a bid for community funding which would enable us to purchase materials for construction. I fear that even if successful, we’re going to need more support in this area. To help with that, we hope to have a Quiz Night in the Grosvenor later this year. You can support that by coming along with your team and by providing raffle prizes!!
Remember that, if you’d like to raise funds for this project or for Dementia causes, we have promised the use of the Grosvenor Centre free of charge.
So thank you for your interest so far and keep it coming!