A local nature and wildlife group for people living with dementia and their carers has been awarded £100,000 from the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.
Since 2020, Wild Memories has enabled people living with dementia and their carers, in and around Frome, to get involved with a diverse programme of nature and wildlife activities, from creating ponds and building wildlife homes to gardening and sharing stories over tea and biscuits.
“Since the project was launched in 2020, we have delivered over 460 activity sessions in and around Frome, with more than 100 people attending,” said the group. “We’ve created two wildlife ponds and installed bat boxes along the Frome river corridor and planted hedges and trees. We’ve made countless works of nature-inspired art and seasonal crafts such as willow sculptures, felt tapestries and clay gargoyles.”
Wild Memories is organised by the UK Reptile and Amphibian conservation charity Froglife, which has a strong focus on including vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in its activities around the country.
“While the benefits of getting out into nature are widely known, unfortunately doing so can become increasingly out of reach for many,” explained project officer Zak Mather-Gratton.
“Overcoming barriers and enabling people to access our activities is an important part of the Wild Memories project, helped by teamwork and a collaborative approach.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the funding, which will be spread across the next five years. This longer-term funding is particularly helpful in giving security and permanence, which is so valuable for people living with dementia.
“A huge thank you to all National Lottery players around the country for supporting this project.
“If you are living with dementia, symptoms of memory loss, or you are caring for someone who is, then please get in touch.”
“Our activities are guided by peoples’ preferences and abilities as well as the weather and the season. The sessions are free to attend and we can provide free transport. Carers and family members are more than welcome to join us.”
One participant, Marion, said, “It’s about being active rather than passive, linked in with activities that also contribute in a useful and meaningful way, that is what I miss. I’m talking about something that I can feel pleased with myself for achieving or accomplishing.”
To find out more about the project, contact Zak on 07949 572849, zak.mathergratton@froglife.org or visit www.froglife.org/wildmemoriesfrome/
Above: Wild Memories dementia group