FLOURISH in the FOREST PROGRAMME 

lockdowns have taught many of us to love the outdoors. Being outdoors or in our gardens relaxes us, connects us with nature and brings meaningful activity into our lives.  

The natural environment engages all of our senses, helping us to be mindful and to live in the moment. People Living with Dementia, can often only live in the moment and so the enrichment that outdoors brings is the perfect way to bring a sense of fulfilment to that moment.

Benefits of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH)

Spending time in the natural environment of a garden has been shown to have many beneficial and restorative effects.  A large body of evidence demonstrates a variety of benefits that include:

• Psychological restoration
• Increased general mental well-being
• Improvement in dementia-related symptoms
• Improved self-esteem, confidence and mood
• Increased attentional capacity and cognition
• Improved happiness, satisfaction and quality of life
• Sense of peace, calm or relaxation
• Feelings of safety and security
• Increased social contact, inclusion and sense of belonging
• Increase in meaningful activity and personal achievement
• Improved sleep
• Improved activity levels
• Improved awareness - Multi-sensory engagement and associated joy
• Increased verbal expression 

FLOURISH HORTICULTURE in other locations

Our Meeting Centre programme provides a person-centred approach to horticultural therapy, for many people living with dementia. The emphasis is on  providing opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activity, whilst benefitting from the calming and restorative effects of natural surroundings. 

Regular garden-related, social and intergenerational activities take place at our Dementia-friendly garden spaces: the sensory area in the Public Gardens; various places around Alton town and the Allotment (109) at the Wooteys / Spitalfields site.  New site coming soon at Anstey Park. The majority of our gardening takes place in raised beds and is easily accessible.  See Meeting Centre Tab for details of forthcoming dementia-friendly horticulture sessions in Alton and further afield. 

Details of FLOURISH IN THE FOREST 2024

FLOURISH IN THE FOREST is a relatively new programme which combines Dementia-friendly Alton’s FLOURISH Horticulture Therapy with Forest leisure activities for carers and young family members. Guided Forest Wellbeing Walks, Inclusive Cycling, outdoor Table Tennis, Mini-Badminton, Yoga, Crafts and more.

 

Alice Holt Activity Centre is in Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham

Sat Nav Postcode: GU10 4LS

OS Grid Ref  SU 813 417

Please book in advance if you can as there are a maximum of 24 spaces available for each date.

Timetable / Activities for the Day - Choose between Yoga / Horticulture / Guided Walk & Relaxation / Accessible bikes/ Regular bikes offered at each session time. Other activities will be made available on the day 

1000 - 1015 - Arrive at the Activity Centre and book in for day / sessions - tea and coffee available 

1030 - 1130 - Gentle Yoga with Sue Tupper - Sorry no Yoga in November as Sue is away 

1015 - 1230 - Morning Session - Inclusive bikes, Regular bikes, Guided Nature Walk 

1230 - 1300 - Break ( light refreshments for lunch provided or purchase your own from on-site catering facilities )

1330 - 1545 - Afternoon Session  - Choose from Horticulture, Regular bike, Guided Nature Walk, Crafts in the Activity Centre, Garden Boules, or just time for a chat 

1545 - 1600 - Catch up and chat at the Activity Centre / Feedback for future events 

https://goo.gl/maps/4vDMfrrAdEXESE7E8

Dates for 2024 / 2025:  

2nd November 

7th December 

1st March 2025

5th April 2025

ONLINE FORM

Please complete our FLOURISH IN THE FOREST BOOKING FORM below if you would like to come along and join us.

No data will be shared outside Dementia-friendly Alton.

We look forward to welcoming you there!