The Fed’s fabulous Seaside Garden, located at the front of Heathlands Village, is up for a prestigious award at the 2017 UK Dementia Congress.
The National Dementia Care Awards, held each year at the UKDC, have awards for a variety of services, with Heathlands Village being placed in category of ‘Best Dementia Garden.’
The innovative Seaside Garden brings the sights and sounds of the beach inland to Prestwich. An inspired design, incorporating a sail boat, pier, beach huts, and deckchairs arouses memories of summer holidays and day-trips gone by. The outdoor space is further enhanced by concealed speakers hidden inside beach pebbles around the garden, which play a soundscape of seagulls, crashing waves, steam engines and children playing.
Former FED CEO Karen Phillips MBE DL, now an Ambassador for the charity, pitched the project to a panel of judges in London in late September. Fed CEO Mark Cunningham expressed his delight, “The Seaside Garden is a truly life-enhancing feature of Heathlands Village. Environment is key in providing excellent care for people living with dementia – stimulating the senses in multiple ways and provoking conversation and reminiscence. I’m really proud of what we’ve created here and that we’ve made itæ to the finals.”
The winners of the highly-acclaimed award will be announced at the National Dementia Care Awards Dinner on 9th November and Doncaster Racecourse.