Dementia-friendly garden in the BRI

Supporting patients with Dementia

Over the past year, your support has transformed the Sanctuary Garden in the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) to make it accessible for all patients. We've built wheelchair-accessible troughs, added a waterproof shed to house the tools, and purchased lots of compost, plants and seeds.

We’ve also partnered with a local organisation, Alive Activities, to offer dementia-friendly gardening and craft sessions for patients and their loved ones. Every week patients from the older care wards in the Bristol Royal Infirmary have the opportunity to take part in this fantastic project for some horticulture therapy in the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) courtyard garden.

These purposeful activities such as creating flower bookmarks or planting seeds offer a distraction from the ward and provide an opportunity for patients to do something different.

The difference you've made

The transformation of the Sanctuary Garden has got patients moving and talking more than they ever thought they could.

In fact, a small team of physiotherapists were amazed to see patient Patricia walk around the garden after weeks of struggling to leave her bed. Another patient, Shirley, has communication difficulties, but after a few sessions was reminiscing about special memories in her grandad’s garden.

Another patient has had a prolonged hospital stay and has been really looking forward to going back home. He said the gardening sessions have really helped him, from managing the small walk from the ward to the garden, to being able to create something in the garden project has boosted his confidence and it made him feel worthwhile.

Those who participated all verbally communicated that they had enjoyed their time with us and presented improvement, there were lots of smiles and sharing of stories and skills all round.”

These magical moments would not be possible without the garden and dedicated activity sessions - thank you!

SUPPORT MORE PROJECTS LIKE THIS

Thanks to your support, the dementia garden project has been able to be extended until 2025.

With your ongoing support, we can strive to make sure patients have the best possible experience during a stay in hospital just like the dementia garden has had on so many. Donations ensure we can go the extra mile for you and everyone who means the world to you.

DONATE TO support more projects like this