Green Links Tees Valley

Groundwork NE & Cumbria are currently delivering a programme to address social isolation and loneliness amongst people presenting memory problems (undiagnosed and diagnosed dementia) and their carers. Activities are based around horticulture, green exercise and other activities, encouraging people to connect with nature.

Sessions currently take place in Stockton, Hartlepool and Darlington, with all sites providing the correct infrastructure and environment for beneficiaries. With weekly sessions, our clients and carers can get used to an appropriate routine which beneficiaries have responded well too, this is something we continue in the winter as we move indoors to a warm suitable venue and tailor the environmental activities to take place indoors.

The Green Links project helps to reduce the strain on carers by providing either the opportunity to meet other carers whilst working on the allotment or using the time elsewhere whilst the person they care for is working on the allotment. It is important that we support carers to maintain and increase their social health to be able to cope with the changes they will be going through in their life as well.

The project also works with local care homes to encourage participation (either within care home session or at on site sessions). We are currently working with 20 care homes across the Tees Valley through the Green Links programme.

More recently our new strand of Green Links has allowed us to work with those living with young onset dementia. Young onset dementia focuses on those that are under 65. We found that the smaller cohort of people living with young onset dementia were struggling to engage in activities as they wanted to be outdoors doing much more active programmes, this addition works well against the overall Green Links programme and provides individuals with options to ensure that the programme suits their needs.