Grant helps people living with dementia and their carers

The £1,288 grant was provided by the Sport England Return to Play fund, to enable the team to continue to run an outdoor games project for people living with dementia and their carers in Derby.

The project helps to increase physical activity and reduce social isolation in a safe and friendly environment in the Capability Garden, a restored rose garden within Markeaton Park.

The team provide weekly 2-3 hour sessions that include gentle exercises to warm up, followed by a gardening session, a break for tea and coffee, and then garden games.

The grant will enable the service to pay for boules, hoops, gardening chairs and all the necessary hygiene measures to keep people safe.

Liz Fairfield, a volunteer for Making Space said: “People with dementia and their carers have been disadvantaged during lockdown. Their social interaction has already been affected by their dementia diagnosis and unfortunately, the coronavirus restrictions have taken away most of what was left.

“Carers carry a huge burden and have lost the respite they used to get from face-to-face groups and the ability to mix with and compare stories with other carers. They often find it hard to provide sufficient stimulation and physical exercise day after day for themselves and the people they support without help.”

The project will also enable carers and people living with dementia to meet others with similar challenges, and get help and support with exercise appropriate to their needs.

One woman who lives with dementia and is supported by the service said: “The others are like me; this is the only place I feel normal.”

If you would like more information about how the Derby City Dementia Support service can help, or to access the service, email derbycity.dementia-service@makingspace.co.uk.