Dementia Warriors get back to Nature
Around 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK and this is sadly only projected to rise. There’s no cure on the horizon for dementia, but research is proving that keeping active and connecting with nature can reduce symptoms. Dementia is life changing so projects like those from the charity Dementia Adventure are vital. Dementia Adventure delivers outdoor activities, adventures and holidays for people living with dementia and their carers.
The dementia charity says, “By focusing on what people can do, rather than what they can’t, we support them to get outdoors, have trained thousands and organised many supported holidays, making a huge difference.”
Back in 2017 Dementia Adventure was awarded National Lottery funding making activities accessible for people living with dementia. The three-year project was to challenge stereotypes of what people with dementia can achieve and enable them to get outdoors and reduce isolation.
In its final year, the project has proved to be a triumph. Helped by people living with dementia, Dementia Adventure has trained individuals from organisations across the country. This has led to hundreds of activities being delivered throughout the UK at some stunning locations for people to re-engage with nature.
One participant at a UK centre commented: “You can walk around the forest and it’s just open space, it’s wonderful, very uplifting.”
The project is led by Paula Nelson, who said “It’s been brilliant, a real privilege to be part of a journey and part of Dementia Adventure making a difference to people to get the message about being outdoors to more people.” Thanks to this project there are now more people living with dementia experiencing the benefits of getting outside than ever and feedback from those delivering activities as well as those taking part has shown the positive impact the project continues to have.
More information about Dementia Adventure can be found by clicking the link.
About the charity Dementia Adventure
● Dementia Adventure is an award-winning evidence-led registered charity committed to helping people living with dementia get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their community, and retain a sense of adventure in their lives. www.dementiaadventure.co.uk
● Through training, research, and consultancy services it enables care providers and organisations to take advantage of the natural resources on their doorstep to enhance the lives of people living with dementia and the people who care for them.
● The organisation is currently expanding the benefits of its nature-based, positive-risk taking approach with local and national partners through its social licence product Dementia Adventure in a Box in order to increase the choices of outdoor activities available for people with dementia. Its legacy will be to create an ever-growing network of dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable individuals and organisations, all receiving in-depth support from the Dementia Adventure team.
● Dementia Adventure also designs, plans and delivers bespoke, small-group holidays and short-breaks for people living with dementia and their carers to enjoy together. It supports people with trained staff and volunteers, and offers this as an alternative to traditional respite.
Film highlighting the impact of the Dementia Adventure project.