Froglife have launched the London wing of their Leaping Forward for dementia project in Lambeth Green Spaces with Wild Times sessions at Clapham Common.
Wild Times
On Clapham Common, Froglife joins Bandstand Beds’ over 55s ‘Grown up Gardening’, run by volunteers keen to welcome the whole community. Wild Times dementia- friendly nature on prescription sessions give a safe space for people with higher needs to enjoy nature, and improve their health alongside the community. Sessions run 2-4pm on Mondays.
Socially prescribed
Gardening sessions are often ‘socially prescribed’ by GPs who recognise the healing benefit of being outdoors in nature. Froglife and Bandstand Beds focus on meaningful gardening, conservation and nature-inspired creative tasks. Social Prescribing is increasingly well documented – Lambeth GPs and health providers can signpost patients to social activities from Community Gardening to Games or a Painting class. Froglife’s Wild Times offers a mix of them all.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, said: “Whether you are socially prescribed to spend time in a healthy environment, or if you just want to relax, exercise and enjoy yourself, Lambeth’s award-winning parks offer exciting opportunities to get involved with inclusive, healthy living activities.”
Skills & Experience workshops
Leaping Forward for Dementia’s project manager Vicky Peet says “Our sessions are open to all but are particular suitable for people living with a dementia, we’re also developing a range of workshops offering the opportunity to explore new skills and experiences. Ideas in the pipeline include storytelling, forest skills, nature photography and outdoor kitchen skills”
More information
- Froglife offer a Volunteer skills building programme for young people 18+ or career changers interested in a career in Community Conservation or therapeutic health and social care.
- Froglife help community groups support and understand people of higher need and offer education sessions both on understanding dementia and the plight of UK Amphibians and Reptiles.
- With support from Lambeth Council, Bandstand Beds has transformed a once derelict piece of land into a horticultural oasis. The volunteer-led food growing project began in 2013 with just a few raised beds beside the café at Clapham Bandstand. Now it includes a large community garden with a polytunnel, shipping container field kitchen and composting toilet.
