Author: Isobel Wise

Back in August 2023, we welcomed Kat Lyons, the current Bristol City Poet, to our Brentry Allotment. They joined one of our regular Tuesday sessions, meeting some of our wonderful participants and seeing some of the work we do there.

Kat wrote a poem about their experience, which can be read below.

It’s a beautifully evocative poem grounded in people, place and plants, capturing the intersection of memory, ageing, and the joy of gardening.

It’s rich in sensory detail and has a poignancy that is especially moving, spanning the bittersweetness of memory and the moments of tenderness and warmth our sessions are full of.

Recollected Moments in a Brentry Allotment

A wheelchair-friendly path; a shed; a space reclaimed
among dementia’s bindweed.

A bouquet of gardening gloves; each week she chooses
her favourite colour, periwinkle blue.

The smell of her first garden; a yellow tomato
plucked from the tangled growth of years.

Fingers planted in the soil; his hands unsteady now but quick
to part the leaves and find the early raspberries.

A dahlia like a ripe peach; her face lost
in sunset petals; a bright-eyed prayer of thanks.

Mouths folding into smiles; a nonsense song in Welsh, a poem
to wake the words laid sleeping on the tongue.

A great lion of a sunflower; a shaggy head
that nods a greeting, bows beneath the encroaching clouds.

While the sun has been a bit shy, the forecast for our community gardens is nothing but bright with the busy summer season underway. From events, to new faces and community sessions, catch up on all the news from our various green-fingered projects around the city.

Get Growing Trail 2024

Opening the gates to our North Bristol Dementia-Friendly allotment this June, it was a pleasure to take part in this year’s #GetGrowingTrail organised by Bristol Food Network.

North Bristol Dementia-friendly Allotment

With the cooler weather and the relentless attacks from slugs, everything is a bit behind at our Brentry allotment this season. However, with warmer weather heading our way, we’re looking forward to things picking up soon – and with a hearty harvest of broad beans and chard this year it certainly feels like we’re heading in the right direction!

Wellspring Settlement Community Garden

Since last we wrote, we have started working with a new social prescriber from Wellspring Settlement, which has been lovely. We have also been working hard on our vegetable beds, primping our flower beds, sorting out the roundabout planting and watching tadpoles in our pond. We will soon plant native hedgerows and wildflowers in local green spaces and will be helping the Family Centre with their garden.

BRI Sessions

We’ve had a few sessions outside in the hospital’s courtyard garden as the weather has begun warming up, and we have received the fantastic news that the hospital charity has given us funding for another year of sessions! We have continued beautifying the garden and supporting family and friends in gardening with the patients and nurses. Feedback has been fabulous, with patients and nurses saying it is their favourite part of the week. One heart-warming comment came from someone who said they thought they’d ‘never do gardening again’.

South Bristol Dementia-friendly Allotment

We have had a wonderful first few weeks on our new South Bristol dementia-friendly allotment. The raised beds are now full of vegetables and flowers, we’ve planted hanging baskets and created a wildlife pond, and we’ve been busy getting to know the other friendly allotment holders! We’ve even harvested our first veg – some lettuce – an occasion accompanied by a loud cheer!

Hoppiness Project

We’ve run four sessions as part of The Hoppiness Project and they’ve been going brilliantly. We now have hops in the ground at both care homes and have brought smiles to many people’s faces. Residents were disappointed that we didn’t bring any beer to the last sessions, so we plan to finish every session with beer and a sing-song in future! Participant-led coproduction for the win!

Lawrence Hill Health Centre

Sessions are going well at our Lawrence Hill Health Centre, where we’ve been extending the vegetable beds, creating beautiful mosaic signs, making new raised beds and decorating the garden and waiting room. Our aim is to transform the health practice into a vibrant space for the entire community of service users to enjoy. We want to create an environment that feels brighter and happier, enhancing the well-being of all.

With all three groups enjoying their busy schedules this summer, let’s take a look at what they’ve been up to…

‘To Still the Saints’ Exhibition at RWA Bristol

In a series of photographs by Olumide Osinoiki, the enduring spirit of the women of Evergreen Club in Easton, Bristol are celebrated and admired. Part of the Windrush era, their portraits hang alongside the Royal Collection touring exhibition, Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation which is exhibiting at the RWA until 11 August.

Bristol Elders Summer Update

Alongside their forays into the art world, members have also been enjoying their regular trips, welcoming speakers, and attending events.

Malcolm X Elders hosted a visit from a group from Leicester – celebrating Windrush together they enjoyed a film, played a quiz game and shared lunch. The Golden Agers held a successful Bring and Buy sale with lots of lovely cake, fritters and goodies. Pegasus Opera group came from Brixton and gave a performance at Malcolm X Centre for all three groups, followed by a discussion with members and a delicious lunch.

Find out more about the Bristol Elders Groups here.

This June 2024, an intrepid supporter of ours will be climbing Mount Tetnuldi, fundraising for ourselves and fellow local charity BRACE Dementia Research.

Facing altitude sickness, bitter conditions, and a whopping 4,958m (15,938 ft) ascent to the summit, Voitek, from Bristol’s Audley Redwood retirement village, will be setting out to climb one of Georgia’s highest peaks.

Inspired by his grandmother’s experience living with dementia, Voitek says: “Witnessing her journey opened my eyes to the profound impact of this condition, not only on the individuals it afflicts but also on their families and caregivers. It was this first-hand experience that ignited a fire within me – a determination to make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.”

“My mission extends beyond simply raising funds. It is rooted in empathy, humility, and gratitude for the invaluable lessons we have learned from our older family members. Through my journey, I aim to raise awareness about dementia and empower others to provide support and care for their loved ones with compassion and understanding.”

We wish Voitek the very best of luck and sincerely thank him for including us in his honourable mission.

If you would like to donate to Voitek’s challenge, please do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/voitek-korus

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Nadja, sat down with Voscur for #VolunteersWeek 2024 to highlight the crucial role our volunteers play in supporting people here at Alive.

Spotlight on Alive: Volunteers Week 2024 by Voscur

Last week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alive, an organisation enhancing the lives of older adults, including through dementia support and nature activities. With the support of volunteers, they successfully run sessions in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset.

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting people at Alive – they help with session preparation, social engagement, garden maintenance and sensory activities, which can include anything from handling different natural materials to discussing the details and uses of unique plants brought in by volunteers.

Alive offers a variety of volunteer roles across a large area, making it easy for people to find opportunities that fit their schedules and interests. To ensure accessibility, they provide both printed versions of their documents and online forms and ensure that they reimburse travel expenses to make volunteering financially accessible.

For Alive, supporting people living with dementia is an integral part of their daily operations and volunteers are a vital part of making this happen. Their Dementia Meeting Centres provide an inclusive, person-centred space where people can take part in activities that bring joy and foster a sense of community. 

Alive’s therapeutic horticulture sessions provide people with a much-needed connection to the natural world, offering physical benefits as well as improving emotional wellbeing. This has also proven to be a powerful way to create meaningful connections, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

By bringing elements of the outdoors into people’s lives, whether through hands-on gardening, sensory experiences, or reminiscing about nature trips, the charity helps bridge the gap between isolation and engagement, demonstrating the transformative and healing power of nature, with volunteers at the heart of this work.

Personal relationships are key!

Nadja Klose, Volunteer Coordinator

Alive have a dedicated person to interview and onboard each volunteer, so they know they have a consistent point of contact, and they also express their appreciation regularly through thank-you notes, birthday cards, and volunteer of the month celebrations. The activity sessions are centred around wellbeing, and they recognise that their volunteers benefit from that as well.

They also offer volunteer social events as well as online training to keep their volunteers engaged and connected. If a volunteer wants to try something new, they can switch to a different type of session or location without going through the entire onboarding process again.

The dedication and thoughtful methods from Alive’s volunteers stand out as an inspiration for others aiming to make a positive impact in similar areas.

Why not get involved? Check out our volunteering opportunities here.

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we want to take the opportunity to honour our Normandy veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

As we revisit the history of today, it’s a poignant reminder to cherish the experiences and wisdom of our previous generations for the future. How their stories should continue to be told. Their memories never lost.

Revisiting D-Day: A First-Hand Account

Our CEO, Isobel Jones, spoke with Radio Bristol yesterday about her grandfather’s own role in the Normandy landings. Major James Henderson landed on Sword Beach in the first wave of the attack, in command of the 41st Anti-Tank Battery of the 20th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery 3rd British Infantry Division.

Finding his experience too painful to speak about, he instead wrote his account down in a memoir, describing the events of D-Day and the months that followed. One of Isobel’s most treasured possessions, this memoir details the fear and panic he faced, but also the camaraderie shared and bonds he forged with his fellow soldiers in the face of such horror.

James can be seen in the painting he had commissioned after the war – he is in the command vehicle on the front left hand side, at the back pointing.

“When dawn broke, we saw the armada stretching from horizon to horizon, our flotilla of LCT’s in line astern. Then all hell broke loose, battleships and bombers blasting the dimly visible shore ahead which appeared to be on fire from east to west. Soon shells started to explode around us. Our craft was fully in intact when we hit the beach, the skipper having ordered “emergency full-ahead together” and we rode on to the sand for a dry landing. I was able to get off the chaotic beach without difficulty and we made our way through the din, smoke and bloodshed”.

“As our generations age, let’s ensure their stories continue to be told”, says Isobel.

“But above all, we need to thank our elders – and ensure we learn from their sacrifices. So, Grandfather – a huge thank you for your service and for your life so well lived.”

Guest writer, Jackie Edwards, explores the potential benefits for older people of age-inclusive living and public spaces.

By 2050, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the UK will reach 100 years. Unfortunately, only a third of the global population is looking forward to their old age says an IPSOS report. One reason is the view that older people are ‘no longer useful to society’. In addition, 1 in 5 people do not expect to be fit and healthy in old age. Isolation, loss of independence, and medical problems are also part of the negative perceptions of ageing.  A feasible option to create a positive ageing process is by promoting age-inclusive living among older people. Age-inclusive living can provide numerous benefits such as improved social interactions, better physical health, and enhanced emotional well-being.

Age-friendly Infrastructure for Security and Independence

One of the main ways to support the elderly is to ensure access to infrastructure. Ideally, the design and development of living spaces as well as communities and services must be accessible and accommodating to individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and older people. The concept of age-inclusive living aims to create environments that support people at various life stages and promote social inclusion, regardless of age. A universal design incorporates features and amenities that can be used by people of all ages and abilities.

Adaptable housing and public spaces that cater to diverse needs can transform the lives of older people. For example, a flexible layout is easily modified to accommodate different lifestyles and changing needs. This allows for adjustments to living spaces without major renovations, making it easier for people to age in place. User-friendly kitchens and bathrooms are vital as well and features like grab bars, roll-in showers, and adjustable countertops ensure that these spaces retain their functionality for those with varying physical abilities. In addition, smart home technology can be integrated into adaptable housing that enhances the safety. Voice-activated controls, home automation, and monitoring systems contribute to independent living and security. Research conducted by Fanchonette, point out that smart home technologies have the potential to provide continuous care by monitoring medications, falls, mobility, and quality of life. Likewise, a study by Morris et al., concluded that technology could help ‘older adults live longer, safely, and independently in their own homes.’

Promotion of Social Connections and Support Networks

Age-inclusive living environments often promote social interactions among people of different age groups. This mix offers prospects for diverse social experiences and the sharing of perspectives. It can help older people avoid social isolation, providing them with opportunities for companionship, shared activities, and a sense of belonging within the community. Some shared activities might include exercise classes, cultural events, and hobby groups. Community hosted events, celebrations, and gatherings also create ways for neighbours to interact and connect. These events could be seasonal festivals or other social gatherings that promote a sense of community.

Communal spaces that are designed to cater to different ages encourage residents to come together for various activities. Common areas, parks, recreation centres, and shared facilities provide spaces where people can meet, socialise, and build connections. Take the example of Kampung Admiralty in Singapore. The community was designed to ensure that its inhabitants are socially connected and healthy. Hence, a health centre, supermarket, day care, and bank are on site. Specific cities also plan for an age-inclusive environment. To illustrate, Bristol is committed to enabling older people making them feel, safe, and healthy whilst participating fully in society. In 2018, the city was also accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a member of the Global Network of Age Friendly Communities (GNAFC). Bristol has an age-friendly action plan actively collaborating in making the urban area more inclusive.

Health, Wellness, and a Sense of Purpose

Promotion of physical health is an outcome of access to recreational programs, fitness programs, and wellness activities. Regular exercise and healthy living contribute to a higher quality of life and may help or prevent certain health conditions. According to a 2022 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, exercise and a healthy diet can drastically reduce mortality rates. Furthermore, regular social engagement and a sense of belonging can positively impact the emotional well-being of older people. Feeling connected and valued within a community contributes to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Many studies attest that social connections make people happier. They are also associated with better health and a longer life, according to an article written by Thomas Oppong.

The opportunities offered by age-inclusive living to participate in community events, activities, or volunteer work give a sense of purpose and direction. Being valued and useful can enhance overall life satisfaction. Hence, the combination of social interactions, engagement in activities, and a supportive community environment contribute to better mental health outcomes reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

In summary, age-inclusive living can have a positive impact on older people by addressing social, emotional, physical, and safety-related needs. These benefits contribute to a more vibrant and fulfilling lifestyles for older individuals, allowing them to age with dignity and an enhanced quality of life.

About the author

Jackie has worked as a therapist, though is now partially retired and spends her time writing. Part of her therapy work involved working with older people and using horticultural therapy to engage and help with communication. Away from work, she’s married to her husband Brian – and in any free time they have, they’re taken for walks by their two dogs Cox and Pippin.

We had the most incredible opportunity with Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service to film with the England Men’s Football Team this March at St George’s Park to help raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia.

Produced by the Alzheimer’s Society and the FA as part of their #SupportTheSupporter campaign, we invited players Kyle Walker, Ivan Toney and Jarrad Branthwaite to put on the Empathy Suit for a film encouraging fans to better understand the physical symptoms of dementia. Made up of 13 components which inhibit mobility, motor skills, vision and hearing, we asked the players to complete a series of tasks while wearing the suit.

“The Empathy Suit can be quite a moving experience, and we saw how surprised the players were to get a sense of some of the challenges people living with dementia often face,” said our CEO Isobel Jones.

“Of course, the most common symptoms of dementia, including memory loss and confusion, are non-physical, but what a lot of people don’t realise is the breadth of symptoms and challenges that can make everyday activities harder than usual. Hopefully this video will help people to be more aware of the symptoms of dementia and encourage people to visit their GP if they are unsure”.

At Alive, we use the Empathy Suit to support carers, giving them the opportunity to walk in the shoes of those the care for, helping them to understand, adapt their practice, and ultimately improve the quality of life of those under their care. Understanding the symptoms and encouraging people to receive an early diagnosis, is so important in helping people living with dementia better access treatment and live as well as they can.

Thank you to the FA and the Alzheimer’s Society for allowing us to be part of the filming process and to Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service for working in partnership with us. What a privilege to be involved and to be able to shine a light on dementia.

With the new growing season officially underway and signs of spring everywhere, we’re gearing up for another exciting year across our ever-increasing number of community-growing and therapeutic horticulture projects.

Please keep reading for the full low down on what we’ve been up to and what’s to come from ALIVEgardening this year.

North Bristol Dementia-Friendly Allotment

After a slow start to the new year, sessions are now getting busier, and it’s been great to see many old friends returning to the allotment in recent weeks. We’re planning for the season ahead by sowing early seeds, tidying up around the space and welcoming lots of new volunteers to the allotment.

Our calendars are beginning to fill up with open sessions planned for the Festival of Nature and Get Growing Trail – so watch this space for news about them!

Wellspring Settlement Community Garden

The group have loved our partnership work with Avon Wildlife Trust this season, thanks to which we now have a beautiful wildlife pond and are preparing for a trip to their flagship site, Grow Wilder, to learn from them and buy some native pond plants to complete the habitat.

BRI Sessions

The patients and staff at BRI love their ‘Gardening Club’ on Wednesdays at the hospital. To cope with the cold, we have been working indoors in the beautiful tree-lined glass atrium overlooking the garden, making miniature gardens and lavender bags, planting bulbs, and starting seeds.

The families and staff supporting patients are so grateful and have told us how it is inspiring change across the hospital and in families when patients are discharged – a testament to the healing power of nature!

South Bristol Dementia-Friendly Allotment

We are cracking on with the final bits of work involved to get this beautiful, accessible site ready for launch on March 26th!

On that date, we’ll host an open event to which all are invited. It’ll be an opportunity to see the space we’ve created and to meet the team delivering the free weekly dementia-friendly gardening and green craft sessions.

Join us and help plant the first fruit, vegetables, and flowers on this special new plot. There will be tea, cake and a chance to meet the community of our new South Bristol community growing space.

Hoppiness Project

Lawrence Hill Health Centre

Our green social prescribing sessions at Lawrence Hill Health Centre recently celebrated their first year. These sessions are for in-house referrals from the health centre, usually via their health and wellbeing worker.

It was great to pop in on the anniversary and hear some stories about how impactful the sessions have been for people.

Our bustling Projects Department has been springing into life this month, with new shoots of activity and partnerships forming. Our South Bristol allotment is launching this March and has been a hive of activity over the winter months in preparation for welcoming new friends in the spring.

We continue to work closely with University of Bristol exploring new ways to co-produce exciting and stimulating experiences for older adults. This includes growing and brewing our own beer in care homes, in The Hoppiness Project, and finding new ways to explore travel and culture from home.

Welcoming in new projects, our intergenerational Share and Repair café model is in development and preparing for launch in Bristol and we are proud to be starting two new therapeutic horticultural groups for older people in North Somerset at Stanley’s Garden in Worle.

Our #OneGoodTurn project is concluding on a happy note with a intergenerational joke sharing campaign this Easter, hoping to get care home residents and school children all laughing together across North Somerset.

Be sure to follow our social media for more updates on our expanding portfolio of projects in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.