5 days ago
Dementia in mind for new Chirk Court sensory garden
A vibrant sensory garden has officially opened at Chirk Court Nursing Home in Chirk, marking many months of dedicated planning, fundraising and hard work.
The ribbon was cut by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Tina Mannering, alongside disability liaison officer from Wrexham AFC, Kerry Evans. Residents, staff, families and members of the local community gathered to celebrate.
Activities coordinator Nicola in the sensory garden with resident Les who is a keen gardener.
Chirk Court's manager Jane Humphreys was the mastermind behind a new sensory garden, which has been designed with elderly residents and people living with dementia in mind.
The garden provides a safe, stimulating outdoor environment, where nature, colour, scent, sound and texture combine to support wellbeing, memory, and relaxation. From accessible pathways, soothing wind chimes and running water to fragrant blooms, eye-catching features and raised beds ideal for wheelchair users; every element has been carefully considered to create a fully inclusive, relaxing space.
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The creation of Chirk Court's sensory garden was a team effort which involved extensive research, fundraising, and many hours of volunteering from both staff and residents. The result is a magnificent, multi-sensory experience, which is already having a positive impact.
Residents and staff enjoy exploring the sensory garden which features raised beds and accessible pathways.
The official opening of the garden was celebrated with excitement, as it was proudly unveiled to the local community.
Kerry said: "It was a real honour to be asked along to open the new sensory garden, I was so impressed with the efforts that had gone into making it a safe, welcoming sanctuary for residents to enjoy.
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"For people living with dementia keeping their mind active and stimulated is so important and by having that wonderful new garden you have achieved that in abundance."
Cllr Mannering added: "It was an absolute honour and privilege to jointly open such a beautiful, stunning sensory garden. Jane and the staff have worked wonders, along with the residents and families.
Kerry Evans from Wrexham AFC (far right) along with Wrexham Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering visited to officially open the Chirk Court Sensory Garden.
"There are native wildflower beds, beautiful colourful bedding plants. A lovely water feature and even raised vegetable, fruit and herb planters, which enable residents to be involved with planting and harvesting when ready. There is a mindful walkway with hand painted benches and twinkly lights; something for everyone to enjoy - especially the deer ornaments. A little piece of heaven!"
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Jane said: "Today has been a wonderful celebration of what we can achieve when we work together. I am so grateful for all the hard work and effort that everyone has put in, to create this fabulous space. We've built something truly special for our community and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this sensory garden a reality."
Jane Humphreys - Manager at Chirk Court, Wrexham Mayor - Cllr Tina Mannering, Kerry Evans - Disability Liaison Officer, Wrexham AFC.
Jane was also thanked Keep Wales Tidy, for community grants which have been a huge help with funding areas of the garden including the allotment.
The sensory garden is open for residents, visitors and staff to enjoy daily.
Nicola Hughes, activities coordinator at Chirk Court: "The garden brings normality, it's good for the mind, it's relaxing, and it brings back memories from life and childhood. It creates relationships, encourages residents to talk to each other and supports physical activities; it means a huge amount to everyone at Chirk Court."
