A new sensory garden for staff, visitors and particular people living with dementia has been officially opened at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
The brand new purpose-built garden was opened by Iorys Griffith, who lives with dementia, and his wife Helen. Also in attendance was well-known astrologer, Russell Grant, who is an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK and a passionate supporter of dementia research.
Acute Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialist at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Delyth Thomas, said the garden will have a profound impact on those living with dementia. She said: “The importance of outdoor access in particular within an acute hospital setting for people living with dementia has known benefits, as well as giving exposure to fresh air and natural light which provides Vitamin D.
“The outdoors is essential for good health and a garden also provides a place for familiar activities. In particular, a sensory garden can stimulate the senses, such as sight, hearing, smell and touch. It can also reduce anxiety, improve sleep-wake pattern and muscle strength through exercise.
“It can also be a place for quiet contemplation, and a place to socialise.
“The Ysbyty Gwynedd dementia friendly sensory garden is the first acute hospital garden within the health board to be open to all staff, carers and loved ones to enjoy.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Russell has praised the efforts of the dementia team and the community for coming together to create the garden. He said: “The overwhelming feeling of the sensory garden at Ysbyty Gwynedd is an enclave of beauty and tranquillity.
“For people living with dementia it will help to enliven and stimulate the brain, enabling the senses to flow.
“As someone who works in areas of Alzheimer’s and dementia keeping the brain active is paramount to decreasing the onset of this debilitating disease.
“Not only will it have many positives for those people who live with the disease but it will also be a place of calm for the carer.”
The sensory garden would not have been made possible without the support of the local community.
Delyth has praised the efforts of fundraisers and kindness of local businesses who have supported the venture.
“Funds have been raised through a number of events including those by the dementia team at Ysbyty Gwynedd and our Chaplain, Wynne Roberts.
“We have also received incredible donations from the public and from those who have donated in memory of their loved ones.
“There was also £4,300 raised from Tesco Bags of Help, which was chosen by the public.
“Santander has also contributed £200 towards the garden.
“We are also extremely grateful to Geraint Jones, the husband of Lesley Jones, Head of Nursing, who has built two beautiful troughs as centre pieces for the garden.
“Also to our Chaplain, Wynne, and his brother, Maldwyn, for kindly donating a pew in memory of their mother.
“Holland Arms Garden Centre have supplied us with hanging baskets, troughs, water feature and all the beautiful plants and are committed to maintaining the garden as their ongoing project.
“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of the community and we would like to say a huge thank you for the ongoing support.”
The opening ceremony also featured performances from our very own rockin’ reverend Wynne Roberts, Cerys Roberts and an emotional performance from
Mark Feaver, who performed his charity song ‘Empty Skies’, which he has released in memory of his father who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease last year.
To download Mark’s track and helps raise funds towards the Alzheimer’s Society visit https://theinvisiblemusic.weebly.com/
Russell Grant with Iorys and Helen Griffith and staff who officially opened the sensory garden at Ysbyty Gwynedd
