John Hayes, an OCVA Development Worker, recently went to visit  Dementia Active, where the Connected Community Fund has helped, and here is his write up:

Took a walk up the Oxford Canal to Dementia Active on Manor Park in Banbury. You forget that not everyone is a position to do that. To wander up the canal, cut through Spiceball Country Park and admire the banks of cranesbill and the butterflies on the way. 

Andy showed me around the new building. Messy room, sensory room, music room, café/lounge space, activity and event rooms. They’re up and running and with a lick of paint in the lobby they’ll be fully good to go. Hard to believe, this all started out, with one small group in a village hall. 

Lunch is in progress, twenty older people with dementia, eating, chatting and interacting. Joking amongst themselves and with volunteers and staff. Activity sessions in the morning, lunch, then further activities in the afternoon. A safe, supportive environment, with a high level of professionalism and support from staff and volunteers who clearly do truly care.

Add in all that added value of precious hours of respite for families and carers and the impact must be huge. It’s hard to describe, so watch this short video Dementia Active on Vimeo It’ll paint you a much better picture of Dementia Active Elderly Care, CST, Respite – Dementia Active (dementiactive.co.uk) than I ever can.     

Vicki Baker (a Community Development Programme Officer from OCVA) recently attended a ‘Singing Sundays’ session at Barracks Lane Community Garden, where the Connected Community Fund has helped, here is Vicki’s write-up detailing her experience:

A few Sundays ago, I headed into Oxford to attend a ‘Singing Sundays’ session at Barracks Lane Community Garden.  I was welcomed and given a tour by Hannah, the garden Coordinator as the rest of the singers arrived.  It was a hot one, but we’d come prepared with our sunhats and airiest clothes, and we sought a shadier part of the garden.

As we got started a number of the group took the opportunity to kick off their shoes and feel the cool grass between their toes as we were led by our expert singing leader, Holly.

As we sung about the sunshine and about the power and magic of boldness, I found myself immersed in the moment – focusing on our voices and the words that we sang.  A moment to slow down and a great escape from the busy world of day-to-day life.  Not being much of a singer myself, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound that we created as a group – very much due to the talent of Holly in bringing us all together.

I spoke separately to some of the group, and it was clear how everyone leaves the garden feeling a bit brighter and lighter having had a sing together.

“It’s a very nourishing environment, especially with all the flowers and the trees and just being outside.  And allowing our voices to be heard outside – sometimes the birds help!

It’s just really special.”

Barracks Lane Community Garden is currently looking for a Treasurer to join their Trustee Board.  If you’d like to find out how you could support this beautiful green space and its vibrant community, please contact the Coordinator at [email protected]