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.