Allotment in Studley to help sufferers of dementia - The Redditch Standard

Allotment in Studley to help sufferers of dementia

Redditch Editorial 30th Sep, 2017   0

AN inspirational project to engage with sufferers of dementia and mental illness has been unveiled at Studley’s Redditch Road allotments.

Featuring eight raised beds, a sun house, polytunnel and shed, the aim is to offer users and carers an opportunity to reconnect with the soil, socialise and take pleasure in nature and growing produce.

The driving force behind the project has been parish councillor and keen gardener Eric Holder who felt he had to act as more and more services were drawn back from the village to Stratford, Warwick and Leamington.

“It grew out of a Health and Wellbeing Forum set up by local county councillor Clive Rickhards,” said Eric.




“We talked about various projects, I had friends who had died from dementia and meanwhile services were being withdrawn and there was nothing for local people to do.

“Warwickshire County Council were keen on promoting social inclusion and it went from there.”


Backed by divisional funds from Coun Rickhards as well as their own fund raising, just over £2,000 has been spent on the project with a crowdfunding appeal in the pipeline to pay for better paths for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

“We’ve had a lot of help from county and Stratford District Council and the long-term aim is to also open it up to others including those from the services suffering from conditions like post-traumatic stress,” added Eric.

“I think it’s recognised that by letting people with dementia or Alzheimer’s do something they may have done in the past can take them to a happier place, and that’s exactly what this aims to do, as well as offering them and their carers the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy the experience.

“We have a lot of people to thank including Graham Roberts and the community team from Tesco in Stratford, the team from Voluntary Action Stratford, Nigel Rodgers, Mark Roskill and all who have donated items and time to help make the project a reality.”

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