We are busy developing and trialing new ideas and Memory Cafe members in Cornwall have been very helpful in trying out these activities for us at the cafes and at home. We want to ensure that we produce good quality activities that support dementia care at home, that engage people together and encourage people to go outside, get some fresh air, feel better in themselves and hopefully have the chance to socially interact with other people. So far the feedback from users has been very positive; even people who wouldn't normally do creative activities at home have said how much they enjoyed spending meaningful time with their partner in their own garden and house and that they were already thinking of how they could adapt certain activities for the festive season.
A selection of these resources will be available for free at our forthcoming community events in 2013. We are organising 3 large events in June next year in partnership with Age UK. These events are aimed at people living with dementia in the community, home carers, families and friends and outreach care workers. The theme, of course, is outside spaces and activities and there will be a wide variety of creative activities for people to try, films to watch and advice and information from organisations that support people with dementia. It's a great opportunity for us to reach people who perhaps don't yet make the best use of their own garden or local green spaces as places to support dementia care and, in the case of public spaces, where they can get involved in social activities that help to reduce feelings of isolation and depression.
We'll keep you up-to-date with news of these events nearer the time.
So in the meantime I hope you enjoy the following photos of some of the highlights from this year. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Wendy
Creative Spaces Project Manager
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| staff and residents created a Garden Book at Trevarna |
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| Ernie and Ethan were interviewed for a short film |
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| Beryl's family added interest to the garden with a beautiful bird bath and feeder |
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| Nature Palettes - always a favourite! |
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| Bulb planting...Sensory Trust style |
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| People gathered at the official garden opening...despite rain and thunder |
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| Our roaming exhibition travelled around the St. Austell community |
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| Community workshops brought people together in creative ways |
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| Natural materials play a big part in our activities |
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| A table set up ready for memory cafe members........ 5 minutes later it was a free-for-all! |
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| Staff and residents joined in the community planting days at Trevarna |
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| Trevarna residents and staff enjoyed the sunshine... in March! |
