Pembrokeshire Young Onset Dementia have been awarded a £2011 grant from The Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants Fund.

The grant will be used to create a sensory garden for people living with young onset dementia who attend the Pembrokeshire Young Onset Day service.

The Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants Fund has invested more than £500,000 this year in green grants. The programme has helped hundreds of charities and schools to fund outdoor classrooms, forest schools, and improve community green spaces across the UK.

Cherry Evans Trustee for Pembrokeshire Young Onset Dementia charity said:

“We are truly grateful for the grant which will enable us to develop a sensory garden at The Uzmaston Church Hall, Haverfordwest where we hold the day service. The hall has recently been refurbished and it provides a very friendly, welcoming space.

“At the rear of the hall is a small courtyard which will be develop into an area where people can spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and take part in gardening activities. Gardening is great way to alleviate stress, boredom, and anxiety. Taking part in a physical activity like gardening can stimulate the senses and memory, and greatly improve wellbeing.”

Anna Russell, Director of the Bupa Foundation, said:

“People health and planet health are inextricably linked, which is why it’s essential that we work to increase access to nature and green spaces. I’m so pleased that we’re able to support this project which will benefit the local community and our natural world.”

The Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants Fund is administered by the national community charity, Groundwork.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted that schools and community groups up and down the UK are going to benefit from much-needed funding through The Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants programme. Now more than ever, it’s vital that support goes to the people and places that need it the most and we’re delighted to support this project.”