In July 2017 funding was awarded to Dun Eisdean Care Home, Stornoway, to develop a therapeutic project for alzheimers patients, family and staff, which will be based in the newly built polytunnel.

Funding will enable those to be encouraged to grow fresh fruit and vegetables, with the produce subsequently used in the care home’s kitchen for residents.

Maintenance of the project will be carried out by the resident handyman who has already successfully grown strawberries and herbs in the tunnel.  Funding was used to purchase tables to work on (potting, etc), including tables and seating appropriate for dementia patients, as well as pots, seeds, strawberry plants and equipment.

This project managed by Dun Eisdean project provides:

• continued Peer support opportunities for people with dementia
• increased and continued community connections
• increase of meaningful therapeutic activity which reduces stress and distress and promotes self-esteem, positive identity and purpose
• intervention for carers – contact, support and respite
• increased reach for people with dementia that do not use core services.

For further information please contact Mary Maclean, Fas Fallain Manager, tel 01851 762014 or email marymaclean1@nhs.net