🌿 Growing wellbeing through research 🌿

We're delighted to be part of an exciting research project with the University of Southampton, exploring how community sensory garden activities can support relaxation, enjoyment and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their care partners.

The SAW Project (Sensory Activities and Wellbeing) was commissioned by Anita Chonzi, Research Fellow in the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences at the University of Southampton.

As part of the project, the University has funded our new potting shed, along with a number of other special things to help us create a dedicated sensory garden area here at Parklands. 🌱🪴

Our sensory garden gives us somewhere to grow, explore and enjoy together, from touching and smelling plants and herbs, to enjoying colours, textures and the sounds of nature.

But this project is about much more than creating a garden.

Through sensory activities, conversations, workshops and research, Anita is exploring how these experiences can contribute to the wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who support them. The findings will help inform future sensory garden activities and the development of sensory gardens on the Isle of Wight.

We're incredibly grateful to Anita and the University of Southampton for supporting this work and for recognising the value of community spaces like Parklands in improving wellbeing and quality of life.

Thank you, University of Southampton, for helping us grow something really special.