Fans of gardening and the great outdoors are invited to join Alzheimer’s Support’s new Muddy Boots clubs in John Coles Park, Chippenham and Long Barn in Lower Stanton St Quintin.
The groups will give people living with dementia and their carers the chance to be involved in two different projects. At John Coles Park members can enjoy a variety of activities including pruning, helping with digging, weeding and planting or just generally enjoying being outside, while the Long Barn group is more physically active with the chance to plant trees, maintain hedges, tidy streams, chip wood and paint chicken coops.
Gary Lamont, of Foragers Farm which will be helping to run the Chippenham group, said: “Gardening and enjoying a natural environment is so powerful and is a very positive experience for people. Everyone can work at their own pace in the group and keen gardeners and absolute beginners are equally welcome.”
Group members do not need to have previous experience, but the Long Barn members will need to be physically active and enjoy being out of doors.
“As well as a chance to get out in the open air, members benefit from the group atmosphere, an informal support network and a sense of belonging,” says Sarah Marriott, head of Alzheimer’s Support’s community services. “It’s a great opportunity for people to do something locally.”
The Long Barn group will meet over six sessions starting on Monday 23rd March and ending on 18th May. They are four hours long with time to enjoy a leisurely lunch together, while the Chippenham group starts on March 27th for two hours with time for a tea or coffee.
To find out more, visit alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk/muddy-boots or call 01380 739055.