At Dementia Adventure, we like to think we do things differently to support people with dementia, and these are some of the ways we are doing that on this June Tuesday.
Bat, ball, and sunshine
The sun is shining, and the beer festival is on at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Catherine, our Head of Adventures, and Therese, one of our Adventure Leaders, are at our second Green Letter Day at Lord’s, thanks to Middlesex County Cricket Club. With 50 guests donning their sun hats, it’s the perfect day for a cricket match.
Lord’s is setting a fantastic example of inclusivity, ensuring everyone, including people living with dementia, can enjoy a day of sport. Our guests get to enjoy some craft beer and artisan food during lunchtime, making the day even more special. Julie, Deuan, Mel, and volunteers Raja and Lovemore from Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS are also on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Kirsty, our Head of Income, will be discussing with the Lord’s team the setup of reminiscence days that will include Walking Cricket. These events will provide opportunities for health benefits, social interaction, and a tour of the museum. If you might be interested in joining us, let us know. Also, please let us know what else you would like to see from our Green Letter Days. We have a golf day coming up in Chelmsford, but we want to explore other activities in your area. What would be a special day for you? Answer our quick survey and we will see what we can do.
Lights, Camera, Awards!
Meanwhile, Paul, our Partnerships Manager, is at the Silver Marketing Summit, a fantastic event focused on the 50+ audience. Paul is mingling, networking, and gathering new ideas and contacts. We’re thrilled that Dementia Adventure and Freddie’s Flowers have been shortlisted for an award for the 15th Birthday celebrations. Freddie’s Flowers sent bouquets around the country and hosted a delightful flower arranging webinar for carers and people living with dementia. Fingers crossed for the awards tonight!
Blossoming connections
Sue, our Head of Innovation, is in Yorkshire at the Access for All celebration event in Gisburn Forest. This two-day event celebrates inclusivity in the countryside, with workshops and discussions on topics like tourism and accessibility, autism and the outdoors, and, of course, Dementia Adventure. Sue has brought along 30 little bouquets of flowers she made last night. She’s excited to see the conversations these flowers will spark. Will people reminisce about times gone by, notice the buttercups, or enjoy the aromatic scents of rosemary, oregano, mint, and lavender? The beautiful colours are sure to bring joy and evoke wonderful memories.
Lake District delights
In the beautiful Lake District, Gordon, our Programme Manager and Adventure Leader, is leading a supported holiday in Windermere. Fiona, our CEO, is there in a volunteer capacity, helping with whatever is needed to make the week a success.
Today’s itinerary includes a boat trip from Bowness to Brockhole Visitors Centre, archery, an exhibition, and a guided tour of the grounds and gardens. After a café lunch and a short cruise back, there’s even time for ice cream before a home-cooked evening meal. It’s a perfect day filled with fun, relaxation, and connection.
The ultimate island adventure
Meanwhile, Adventure Leader Jesse is back on the Isle of Wight with a group of holidaymakers. Today includes a tour of Ventnor Botanic Gardens, followed by a picnic lunch and a horse and carriage ride around the village of Godshill. The village of Godshill is renowned for its pretty thatched cottages, 14th-century church, and idyllic tea gardens. The day ends with relaxing massages back at the farm.
Rooted in research
Programme Leader Manpreet is at the 6th Nature Connections Conference at the University of Derby. This event brings together researchers and practitioners to share the latest ideas and applications in the field of nature connection. Everything we do at Dementia Adventure is evidence-led, ensuring our work truly benefits people living with dementia. We’re always learning and sharing practical solutions to support people with dementia in enjoying outdoor activities.
Unlock your potential
On Zoom, Programme Leader Ruth is running a Mood and Motivation session online. This session helps people with dementia and their supporters find the motivation to get up and do. Ruth is discussing ways to improve mood and motivation, sharing tips on building confidence and engaging in meaningful activities. It’s all about feeling happy, safe, and secure.
Walking and talking
Back in the office, Susie is busy developing a new podcast set to launch in August 2024. We will be documenting 60-year-old Harriet Thomas’s 900-mile walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise £25,000 for Dementia Adventure. In partnership with People’s Postcode Lottery, every £1 Harriet raises will be matched, doubling the impact of each donation. This support will bolster our Dementia Adventure Support Fund, which has been increased to £50,000 for 2025. With Harriet’s walk and this match funding, we aim to ensure every family needing support can access a holiday.
The series promotes the benefits of nature and adventure for dementia awareness and brain health, featuring personal stories, music, and expert insights. Would you be interested in walking with Harriet or sharing your story? If you are a business supporting people with dementia, the outdoors, or overall wellbeing, you might want to feature or sponsor a podcast episode. We need your help to spread the word about the possibilities for someone with dementia when they have the right support. Please get in touch with Susie at susie@dementiaadventure.co.uk.
Our day happens to be extraordinary, but whatever your day holds for you today, whether you are indoors or out, we hope you can take a moment to get outside, open a window, or smell a flower for a simple pleasure and say to yourself, “Today, I will cherish the small things that make Tuesday better, or at least just okay!”
