February 20 2018

Alzheimer's Support has joined forces with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to start a new farm-based activity group for younger people living with dementia.

The two charities have funding for a pilot group to meet fortnightly at the Trust’s Blakehill Farm near Cricklade in North Wiltshire.

The 240-acre site was used as an airfield during the Second World War. Now land once used by taking off Dakotas en route to the battlefields of Europe is being restored as traditional hay pasture with woodland areas, ponds and plenty of easy-to-navigate footpaths. It is a haven for native plants and wildflowers with many rare species. Roe deer, kestrels, brown hares are often sighted, and the reserve is home to lapwings, skylarks, barn owls, grass snakes, rare butterflies and 14 species of dragonfly. 

The new group will meet fortnightly, making the most of the outdoor resources but with a indoor base for meals and refreshments, craft projects, or just hanging out together.

Ideas for activities so far include farm walks, helping with livestock, craft projects, cooking together, making videos and growing fruit and vegetables. Dementia specialists will be on hand to chat and offer information and advice.

Alzheimer's Support is looking for people with early onset dementia to get involved in planning the new group.

CEO Babs Harris said: “We are so pleased to have this opportunity to bring people together in such beautiful rural surroundings. We are keen to talk to people living with dementia who may wish to come along and who can help us shape the group and perhaps make a start on planning activities. Younger people who are experiencing dementia and their families will have different needs to those in older age groups so we want to make sure the new group is meeting those needs.

"The site is absolutely beautiful, with wide skies, wonderful rural views and plenty of space to just relax, enjoy a different pace of life and be close to nature."

To find out more please contact Sarah Marriott on 01380 739055 or email Sarah. 

More about Blakehill Farm

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