Alzheimer’s Society activity days
The Westonbirt Project team has partnered with Alzheimer’s Society groups in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire to explore delivering regular respite activities as part of the project activities plan.
The education team, working party leader and a group of volunteers led a trial activity day in early 2010. The aim was to provide a supportive environment where the visiting group could choose from a range of activities to complement the respite care programme delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society.
The activities were designed to experiment with sensory and practical activities that could enable sufferers and carers to benefit from spending time in the National Arboretum.
14 carers and 14 people with Alzheimer’s took part in the activitiy trial, which included a sensory activity walk, practical conservation, planting and making willow bird feeders.
Feedback was hugely positive, and the partnership between Westonbirt and the Alzheimer's Society looks to continue with monthly activity days now planned.