Charity Dementia Adventure is launching a series of Green Letter Day dementia-inclusive activities designed to promote social inclusion and improve mental health for those living with dementia, as well as their families, friends, and carers.
The initiative will feature a range of engaging activities, including walking cricket, flower arranging, golf days, allotment experiences, boat trips, and family adventure days. The programme focuses on the restorative power of nature and the outdoors, staying true to Dementia Adventure’s mission of enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia through nature-based experiences.
Inclusive Events Designed for Everyone
The Green Letter Day programme will be delivered in partnership with well-established sports and leisure organisations. Dementia Adventure will provide specialist dementia knowledge, guidance, training, and volunteers to ensure all activities are inclusive and accessible.
Each partner organisation will bring its own expertise, equipment, and staff to deliver high-quality experiences designed to cater to the needs of people living with dementia.
Middlesex Cricket Hosts First Green Letter Day Event
One of the first official Green Letter Day events will be hosted by Middlesex County Cricket Club at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 8 September, during the Championship cricket match between Middlesex and Derbyshire.
Other upcoming activities include:
- Golf days with Golf in Society
- Online flower arranging workshops with Freddie’s Flowers
- Allotment adventures at the Jubilee Allotments in Essex
- Love All tennis days with the Herts Foundation
- Lakeside picnics hosted by Another Place in Ullswater
- Boat trips with WetWheels
- Family adventure days in partnership with PGL
Free and Accessible Activities
Thanks to support from Sport England and contributions from partners, the majority of Green Letter Day experiences will be free of charge. Some events may require a small contribution to cover essential costs, ensuring that the programme remains affordable and accessible for as many people as possible.
Positive Feedback From Pilots
Dementia Adventure has already piloted several Green Letter Day cricket events with Middlesex CCC over the past year. From May to September 2024, 107 people attended, with 75% reporting they were very satisfied and the remaining 25% satisfied.
Eighty-five percent of carers said they would like to attend more community events. One attendee shared:
“Being here today has shown us how many possibilities there still are. It has really changed our perspective.”
Another added:
“Today gave me the confidence to try more activities with my partner. It was well supported, and I felt less pressure.”
Supporting Dementia-Friendly Initiatives
Fiona Petit, Chief Executive at Dementia Adventure, said:
“This initiative, inspired by Red Letter Days, gives families impacted by dementia the chance to live more active and fulfilled lives. With such a wide range of activities, we hope participants can rediscover old passions or try something entirely new.”
Julie Blakesley, Membership Secretary at Middlesex CCC, added:
“We are proud to support Dementia Adventure’s Green Letter Days by welcoming families to Lord’s. Dementia affects many lives, including our members, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact these events bring.”
