ADSS has created a brand-new sensory garden, officially named the Sunny Banks Garden, to provide people living with dementia the opportunity to benefit from outdoor activities, gardening, and sensory stimulation. This marks a significant milestone for ADSS, as the project has been in development for five years. The Sunny Banks Garden is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia. The garden was thoughtfully designed and constructed by Simon Paul Gardens.

The new sensory garden was unveiled on Friday, 19th July 2024, and officially opened by Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Co-Chairman of the National Care Association. Sixty guests attended the event, where they had the opportunity to admire the many donated plants. Among the attendees were the Mayor of Gravesham, the local Labour MP, the garden designer, representatives from businesses that contributed services or products, volunteers who supported the project, and charity Trustees.

Research has shown that sensory stimulation can have profound benefits for individuals with cognitive impairments. The Sensory Garden’s design incorporates elements that:

• Enhance Memory: Familiar scents and sights can trigger memories and create a sense of continuity and identity.
• Reduce Anxiety: The calming effects of nature, combined with the gentle sounds of water and bird songs, help alleviate stress and agitation.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Safe, accessible pathways invite gentle exercise, promoting physical health and well-being.
• Foster Social Connections: Designated gathering spots within the garden encourage social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Here is what some of our guests and dignitaries had to say regarding the grand opening of our garden:

Cllr Daniel Adewale King, The Worshipful Mayor of Gravesham said: “It’s great to be here this afternoon and to see the Sunny Banks garden. They’ve been doing fantastic work supporting people living with dementia. Having seen the transformation of this place, I can truly appreciate the wonderful work that’s been done here. We extend our heartfelt thanks and kudos to all the donors, because without their generous contributions, none of this would have been possible.”

Cllr Jo Hart, appointed as our charity’s representative in May this year said: “As a newly appointed trustee I attended the official opening of the garden at the ADSS centre in Gravesend. It makes a lovely outdoor addition to the centre, enriching the lives of all who use it. A garden gives you something back, it’s a living thing, whether you grow vegetables or flowers you prefer. I look forward seeing it mature over my time working with ADSS.”

Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Co-Chairman, National Care Association said : “It was an absolute honour to represent the Lord Lieutenant, The Lady Colgrain at the opening of the Sunny Banks Garden. The thought that had gone into creating such a lovely space for people to use was quite inspirational. I want to congratulate ADSS on its vision of planning and developing such a great facility for the dementia community.”

Dr Lauren Sullivan MP said: “To see the transformation in this garden and for all of those living with dementia that come to this fantastic facility here and their families, I think it’s going to be a fantastic enhancement to their lives.”

Simon Dack, Garden Designer, Project Manager & Owner of Simon Paul Gardens said: “It has been an honour for us to be involved in the build of this garden. For people living with dementia, the garden will provide a relaxing environment, helping to improve mental and physical health by keeping the people active. Gardening is a wonderful way to enhance the quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, offering a healthy alternative to medication. The very act of digging in the soil can reduce anxiety and agitation.”

Hatten Wyatt, chosen us as their charity for the year said: “We had a fantastic time participating in the activities that were put on throughout the centre and were made to feel very welcome as soon as we walked in the door. Well done all!”

Catherine Pearl, Ladies Vice Captain, Redlibbets Golf Club (they have chosen us as their charity of the year for a second year running) said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend on Friday not only to see at first sight what the fund-raising has helped to achieve but also to see the entire facility and meet the people. The whole facility is super, and the people working there are all so friendly and enjoy what they do to help others. I wish I felt as happy in my workplace. I shared the photos with the wider team, and they all made lovely comments about the new garden.”

Katie Antill, our Chief Executive Officer said: “It’s going to make such a huge difference. Nature is so essential to people living with dementia. It’s important to all of us, but it’s especially important to people living with dementia to really get to experience those feel-good feelings that you get from doing a little bit of pottering in the garden or just sitting out in the garden and enjoying it.

We can’t forget that so many of the people that come to the Beacon Day Centre or use our other services just don’t have that opportunity anymore. They’re either in that environment because they may be living in a flat, they don’t have a garden, or it just may be that their dementia’s preventing them from being able to access beautiful spaces like this.”