Forest school helps children and adults

THE chief executive at Wellington-based dementia charity Reminiscence Learning has won a top award.

Fiona Mahoney won the Care Innovator category at the South West Great British Care Awards for creating an inter-generational forest school project.

The project sees children aged seven-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs at Otterhead Forest School engage with individuals with younger-onset dementia, in an outdoor environment.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “The project benefits all involved. Those with younger onset dementia become more active and have increased drive and motivation, with a real sense of enthusiasm to return and complete tasks.

“The children were able to empathise with the adults with dementia, increasing their awareness, understanding and caring sensibilities.

“Carers commented that they were able to capture something of the person they knew, while having respite from care responsibilities.”

The project will now move forward to the national stage of the Great British Care Awards in March next year.

For more information on any of the projects Reminiscence Learning delivers contact the team on 01823 668676 or [email protected]