ASPIRE AND RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER INVITE YOU TO MARK DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK

 Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support, are partnering with the RHS Garden Bridgewater to host a ‘Forget Me Not’ Dementia Remembrance Celebration event, to mark Dementia Action Week on Friday 19^th May 2023.

The not-for-profit organisation supports people living with Dementia and their families / carers, as well as those living with learning disabilities, Autism and / or complex needs, across the Salford area with day support services, specialist accommodation and a wide range of dementia friendly activities held at the Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton.

“Dementia Action Week takes place each year, with the aim of raising awareness of Dementia and encouraging people to act on it. We hosted our first ever ‘Forget Me Not’ event with the RHS last year, with great success, and wanted to offer people the opportunity to remember and celebrate their loved ones again this year. We hope this meaningful and uplifting event will offer people strength, as we stand together to reflect on happier times and remember those we love” said Lisa Dickinson, CEO of Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support

“Everyone is welcome to attend, you do not need to have been supported by Aspire. We are all united in our loss to, and our fight against, dementia and encourage you to join us for an afternoon of reflection and hope.”

Starting at 11am, guests are invited to join the team from RHS Garden Bridgewater to plant their own forget me not seeds in takeaway plant pots, to grow at home in their own garden or larger pots. The forget me not flower is a symbol of remembrance and often associated with Dementia, blooming year on year to give a gentle reminder of those no longer with us.

Following the seed planting activity, a short service will be held in the grounds of the Wellbeing Garden with readings from Lisa Dickinson, and carers from the Dementia Friends group, along with Reverend Karen Owen. A two-minute silence will also be held for reflection and remembrance. 

“This event is not only for those who wish to remember, but also an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones doing something meaningful together too” said Chris Seward, Dementia Lead at Aspire. “Horticulture has proved to be a great activity for people with dementia, helping to focus concentration and reduce anxiety, so it seems very natural to partner with RHS to do something to support Dementia Action Week. We hope people will enjoy joining in the activities and the remembrance service, as well as enjoying the grounds of the gardens too.”

Entry to the Dementia Memorial Service is free and is open to anyone who would like to attend. Guests must pre-register for a ticket.  To register please visit : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forget-me-not-remembrance-celebration-tickets-619743889657 alternatively please email leanne.taylor@iamaspire.org.uk or call 0161 6077101.

For more information on the support available from Aspire Care and Support please visit iamaspire.org.uk