Sunderland Day Out for Newcastle Care Home Residents

Residents from Newcastle care homes Kenton Hall and Kenton Manor enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, thanks to the Scotswood Community Garden’s Gardening for Dementia project.

They had the opportunity to explore the indoor tropical plants in the Winder Gardens, watch the Koi Carp and view the museum’s local history exhibitions, including coal mining and glass making.

Scotswood Garden is a charity that serves the whole community. Gardening for Dementia is funded by the Active Communities programme at the People’s Health Trust and is part of its programme for older people.

Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk, which operates Kenton Hall and Kenton Manor said: “This was a fantastic day out for some of our residents and one they all thoroughly enjoyed.

“It is important that our residents live life to the full, and have the opportunity to get out and about and I’d like to thank Scotswood Community Garden for facilitating the visit and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens for being so welcoming.”

Leanne Defty, older people’s service manager at Scotswood Community Garden said: “We believe it’s important for care home residents to socialise with others outside of their home and feel part of the community by contributing and sharing their knowledge.

“This is what we provide here at Scotswood Community Garden alongside experienced staff who carefully plan therapeutic gardening and nature-based activities, help with transport costs for days out and all at no cost to the care home thanks to our funders.

“Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a very welcoming and accessible place for people living with dementia to enjoy connecting with nature and reminiscing in the Museum. I am pleased that the residents from Kenton Hall and Kenton Manor had a great visit.”