Dementia Adventure Sign Up Information

In 2017 Dementia Adventure were awarded funding from the National Lottery to equip four national organisations with the skills and confidence they need to make activities accessible and enjoyable for people living with dementia. The 3 year project was set up to challenge the stereotypes of what people living with dementia can do and create opportunities that enable them to get outdoors, to reduce feelings of isolation and improve their overall welfare.

Now entering its final year, the project has proved to be a wonderful success. Dementia Adventure have trained over 50 employees and volunteers from the four organisations. The training has led to more than 500 dementia inclusive activities being delivered at Care Farms, conservation locations, community projects and in care homes, all enabling people to engage with nature. Locations from Inverness to Cornwall, Yorkshire to Suffolk and Sussex to Milton Keynes have been involved.

In 2019 we trained former family carer, Feleena Taylor, to lead weekly dementia-friendly walks in Kendal, Cumbria. Here Feelena shares the story behind the walks and the difference they are making to those with dementia and their families. 

When Feleena’s mum sadly passed away after years of struggling with mental health before a final battle with dementia, Feleena was determined to share what she had discovered as a family carer with others in a similar position. Whilst she and her dad had attended various groups to help her mum, none were quite as effective as the simple pleasures of the great outdoors. 

In April 2019, Feleena introduced weekly supported dementia-friendly walks around Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cumbria, and here at Dementia Adventure we have been delighted to support her mission with our Walk and Adventure Leadership Training for her volunteers.

Read Feleena’s story…

Without people like you we couldn''t continue to make a difference to the lives of so many people living with dementia. From holidays, to training, to support for families and community initiatives designed to get people with dementia outside - the money you raise makes all the difference. 

An example of the work we do with money raised is our recent partnership with Rutland County Council, Rutland Admiral Nurse Service and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust where we are helping people living with dementia and their family members to share time together in the beautiful Rutland Water Nature Reserve and enjoy nature and the outdoors. 

"I enjoy it very much.  I live in a rather isolated place and I don't see many people.  It's nice to meet people because otherwise I don't see anybody"- Attendee. 

We facilitated bringing the partner organisations together, provided dementia awareness training for staff and volunteers, support to build confidence in communicating with people living with dementia and guidance on using the nature reserve to provide outdoor opportunities.

Changes were made on site to improve the accessibility for people living with dementia including new signage, sturdy benches with armrests and fire pits.

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust now deliver fortnightly nature experiences for people living with dementia and their supporters in an area where there has previously been no such opportunity.  The sessions, co-produced with people living with dementia, are designed to be multi-sensory and focus on keeping active and connecting with nature and seasons and building community connection. They have been fully booked from the start with between 14 to 18  people living with dementia and their family carers attending each session, supported by 4-6 Wildlife Trust volunteers. People have had the opportunity to spend time in woodland, roast chestnuts on the fire-pit, explore the bird hides, weave willow and just enjoy being outside. In fact, attendees have spent 93 hours in the fresh air in the first 5 sessions alone.

Kath Pyke, Project Coordinator, has been leading the project for Dementia Adventure,

"What''s so special about this project is how from the just the seed of an idea, teamwork with the local community made this happen fast. People were willing to try something new. Deep down we all felt it made perfect sense. We are now completely oversubscribed and have a lovely supportive group. Lots of people have a country or farming background, but many haven''t been able to spend time in a wood or visit Rutland Water despite being local for years. One person said how being in the wood gives them the same sense of peace as being in their church & on a practical level the fact that at least 3 people have bought outdoor boots speaks volumes to their commitment. We''re all about enjoying new nature experiences and bringing the community together. It''s a wonderful thing to journey through the seasons together and we can''t wait for each session."

Saddle-up and take part in the Prudential RideLondon - Surrey 100 for Dementia Adventure.

We are incredibly excited to announce that Dementia Adventure have 4 charity ballot places in the Prudential RideLondon - Surrey 100 that takes place on Sunday 16th August 2020.

Saddle-up and join more than 25,000 cyclists negotiate the 100-mile course around the roads of the UK's capital. Starting in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the race will see a similar route to that of the London 2012 Olympic Road Cycling Races, before a spectacular finish on The Mall.

The public ballot for this event is closed, and we have 4 charity spaces available. Click here to register your interest for free. (Minimum sponsorship: ?500).

The Edmund Carr Great Baddow Races

Dementia Adventure has been chosen as one of the two main charities that will be supported by the 2020 Edmund Carr Baddow Charity Races on Sunday 17th May.

Join 'Team DA' by signing up to take on the 10-Mile Road Race or the 2-Mile Fun Run, and ask your friends and family, classmates and colleagues, and anyone else that knows you to sponsor you in your challenge.

There is no minimum sponsorship amount, and any donations to Dementia Adventure will make go towards helping make a significant difference to people living with dementia.

Join 'Team DA' and help us to fundraise and raise awareness - all in support of people living with dementia and their families.