Cllr Robin Cook with Hannah Hobbs, Group Allotments Project Co-ordinator, together with two group members Steve Burrows and James Webb
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community Group is launching an allotment project having acquired two raised beds at the Kingston Lacy site.
The aim of the project is to create a space where those with dementia can benefit from meaningful and therapeutic activity while enjoying fresh air, physical activity and socialising.
Although it will provide opportunities for both men and women, the idea was partially borne from the discovery that men tended to engage less enthusiastically with the Memory Café that is run on the second and fourth Tuesday each month at the Community Learning and Resource Centre in King Street, Wimborne. The project will be tailored to address this and give men the opportunity to spend time doing familiar tasks, exercising their skills and experience in a way that is valuable not just to themselves but to the community.
The group’s allotment project co-ordinator is Hannah Hobbs whilst the Alzheimer’s Society will be providing a facilitator to assist at the group, work with the service users and support volunteer recruitment.
The annual cost of the project is likely to be in the region of £3000 and start-up funding has come from a number of sources including £1000 from the Divisional Budget of County Councillor Robin Cook, plus other donations from The Digby Charity, Wimborne Minster, and Bluebird Care Community Grant.
Group secretary, Alison Cross, said ‘We are fortunate enough to have secured the two allotments and this money will help us towards providing what is needed to take the project forward.’
Those wishing to learn more about the allotment project or other activities of the Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community Group please contact the chairman, Sue Cook on 01202 889199 or sueacook@hotmail.co.uk.
