A LEADING Evesham cause is celebrating after bagging cash for a new sensory garden at the town’s Community Hospital.
Members of Evesham Dementia Action Alliance scooped £4,000 from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme which sees profits from the sale of carrier bags shared among local causes.
The alliance aims to increase understanding of the needs of people living with dementia and reduce the social barriers which prevent them living as full a life as possible.
“People living with dementia often feel stressed and agitated when faced with an unfamiliar environment like hospital.
We thought providing an outside space with paving, planting and places to sit would create an area that is more relaxing to sit in and take in the scents and sounds.” said Rosie Grove from the alliance.
Hospital matron Shirley Hodgetts said: “A sensory garden is a great social space but there is also a considerable body of research showing that access to the sensory stimulation of nature improves recovery rates and decreases the stress for patients and families”
Shoppers are now being asked to vote for three new groups all bidding for a share of the cash from the sale of carrier bags at the supermarket giant’s store on Worcester Road.
Northleigh Primary School in Malvern would like to develop Darajani garden, a global garden inspired by their partner school in Tanzania to be used by all members of the local community.
Bengeworth CE Academy in Evesham would like to build an outdoor space where children can engage with nature through nose-tickling aromas and eye-catching displays while KIDS, a Worcester charity, would like to buy a caravan to gives disabled children and their families an opportunity to take a holiday.
Voting takes place in store until December 31.
