Nature and Wellbeing volunteer, Sue, led seasonal art workshops with members of Chard Memory Café.
Chard Memory Café, run by Alzheimer’s Society, was a meeting place for people living with dementia and their carers. Living with memory loss can be challenging, severing social connections at a time when they are needed most.
The idea behind the art sessions was to inspire conversations and reminiscing, using photographs, maps and other information to trigger memories and ideas. Many of Chard Memory Café’s members grew up in the Blackdown Hills and enjoyed sharing stories of cycling and picking apples from local orchards during their childhood. Members created some beautiful seasonal artwork, which was exhibited in Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new visitors centre.
Rhea Cousins, Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support worker, explains:
“It didn’t take long for people to get really stuck in with creating their Blackdown scenes. The activity was a great talking point among the group, and there was a clear enthusiasm for people to involve themselves. The finished products were lovely, and really capture the colours of The Blackdown Hills. It will be lovely to see the pieces displayed.”
Staff members at Ferne Animal Sanctuary became ‘dementia friends’ – Alzheimer’s Society’s initiative to encourage people to increase their knowledge and understanding of dementia. The team at Ferne went on to support regular visits from the Memory Café members and offer volunteering opportunities.
