On a sunny Saturday in September, the Kubiak Dementia Foundation launched and hosted, a dementia-friendly, family-friendly, animal-friendly day out at the historic Georgian premises of Penny Brohn in Pill.
Inside the beautiful Grade II-listed building, people of all ages took the chance to try out a wide range of interactive activities and workshops, all in a safe and welcoming environment, and all designed to support the lives of those touched by dementia. In one room, they explored their creative sides in our arts and crafts workshops. In another, they learnt the fundamentals of good nutrition while sampling our super healthy snacks and in the café, they simply unwound with a cuppa while looking over the picture-perfect gardens.
Outside, as families played in the wonderful four-acre landscaped gardens, they got up close and personal with a couple of equally-curious tortoises, had pictures taken with a pair of docile donkeys and, of course, got to make friends with some rather affectionate dogs – who certainly enjoyed all the attention!
As each visitor left for the day, they scribbled down their thoughts on the event. Some shared with us how much it meant to be surrounded by friendly faces:
“Such a special event, full of warmth and care”
Some said they loved sitting and listening to our fantastic guitarists:
“Great music, loved it”
Some had enjoyed the gentle chair-based exercises. Some had discovered new validation techniques. And some simply valued the opportunity to meet others who live with dementia too, and who understand the challenges it brings.
And still the comments came flooding in:
“Wonderful experience, so peaceful”
“Gorgeous surroundings, lovely hospitality”
“Loads to do!”
So why is all of this so important to us?
Well, let’s remind ourselves what the Kubiak Dementia Foundation is for – or rather, who it’s for.
It’s for families. It’s for carers. It’s for anyone living with dementia and anyone affected by it. Quite simply, it’s for people. And whether those who came along on the day got involved in an activity, learnt something new or simply enjoyed a slice of cake in the garden, if the event provided them with a dose of happiness, a bit of extra support or even just a moment of calm, then that, ultimately, is what the whole thing is about.
So what does this mean for the Kubiak Dementia Foundation and our ever-willing band of volunteers? Job done? No way! not by a long shot! After such an inspiring and heart-warming day, our motivation to deliver even more dementia-friendly days out has gone into overdrive, and we’ll be back with our next event on 1st February 2020. THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN, we can’t wait to see you there!