One of our longer term aims has been to provide a dementia-friendly Community Shed, where people living with dementia could work alongside people without these challenges. We have worked hard to make this aim a reality, through fundraising, securing grant funding and receiving donations. Our Beacon Shed at The Whitaker opened on 19 May 2023 and is nestled in a peaceful location to the rear of the Whitaker Museum.
The first of its kind in the UK, Beacon Shed provides a safe space for people living with dementia and their carers to
experience meaningful activities without feeling judged or excluded and to feel
supported and valued. From our consultation, we know that people living with dementia and their Carers may feel isolated, have a lack of daily purpose and occupation, a lack of
safe opportunities to connect with others and share/make use of their skills.
Activities in this unique community Shed include gardening, woodwork, making and mending, designing, DIY, nature
walks and art sessions - all of which can be adapted to be dementia-friendly. We also offer volunteering opportunities to those who would like to help our members within the Shed and we also support our members to
take
part in the volunteer garden and maintenance team at The Whitaker
.
Through meeting old and new friends, socialising, sharing skills and knowledge.
The Shed at The Whitaker provides a non-clinical environment to talk about
worries, share experiences and take part in varied activities to support
wellbeing.
