A project to create a dementia-friendly sensory garden in Wolverhampton has come to life after three months of work.
The project, which has seen more than 70 members of staff volunteering their time to build the new garden, secured a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Housing bosses in the city claim the sensory garden will be ideal for older people living nearby – and especially those living with dementia.
Wolverhampton Homes – as part of its commitment to give something back to the local community – have allowed its staff time away from their day duties to muck in and bring the garden to life.
With more than 3,600 people in Wolverhampton estimated to be living with dementia, Wolverhampton Homes is hoping the new sensory garden will allow tenants to keep active, engaged and living independently for as long as possible. They’ve laid new paths, put in seating, created large flower beds and a vegetable patch – the idea being that is that it will help stimulate the senses of its visitors so that people can touch, smell and hear things which are familiar.
A number of local businesses have also helped fund the project including Travis Perkins, SignsNow, DCE, OpenView and Continental Landscapes.
Lesley Roberts, Chief Executive at Wolverhampton Homes said:
This all stemmed from an idea a group of staff had. Most of us have seen the devastating effects dementia can have, so I’m really proud we’re doing our bit to help make Wolverhampton a more dementia-friendly city. The weather’s really been on our side over the past few months and I’m so proud of the work my colleagues have done to deliver this beautiful garden.”
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- Last Updated: Thursday, 30 July 2015 14:54
- Published: Monday, 20 July 2015 09:34