This month we take a closer look at the impact and benefit that your donation has and could bring directly to people living with dementia.

At Dementia Adventure our aim is to enable as many people with dementia as possible to connect with the outdoors, themselves and their communities – from supported holidays, to training, research and free events for family carers.  As a charity we depend on the money raised through fundraising to keep our work accessible for the people who need it the most. In fact, 81% of our work last year was funded by donations, grants, fundraising and gifts in Wills.

Your generosity enables us to provide supported holidays for people who may not otherwise be able to have a holiday, free ‘thinking differently about dementia’ events for family carers, and it allows us to research how the benefits of outdoor activity, can improve the well-being of people with dementia right across the UK.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, together, we could enable people living with dementia and their families, to enjoy more experiences and adventures out in nature? Here’s some examples of how your money makes a difference.

The Impact of our Supported Holidays

Dementia Adventure has just completed its 100th supported holiday. In 2017/2018 we provided more holidays than ever before with 248 holiday places over 31 holidays including locations in Cornwall, North Yorkshire and Portugal. These holidays are enhancing quality of life and giving people better lives with dementia.

“….made a HUGE difference to my wife. We nearly didn’t come because she was so weak but this has been better than a convalescence home… she is like a changed woman”

Our fully supported holidays require a lot of resources in order to provide what is needed.  If we charged our clients what a supported holiday cost us to provide, it would be financially unviable for most people. Therefore, we subsidise the costs of delivering holidays to make them more affordable for more people. In our last year two thirds of the costs of our holidays were funded through donations including grants from charitable trusts and foundations, corporate organisations and individuals.  

The outcomes and feedback from our clients, speaks for itself:

“…. best of both worlds. I got a holiday, a break and to spend time with the man I wanted to be with.” – Carer

People noticed positive improvements in appetite, sleep, communication, mood and activity levels.

Carers tell us that after a Dementia Adventure short break, they feel more positive. People leave with wonderful memories and a sense of positivity –  “things are looking up”.

The Impact of our Family Carer’s Events

Our free Family Carer’s events are positive, inspirational and designed to empower family carers who support someone living with dementia. The events are typically 2 hours long and help people to think differently about dementia.  We look at things like how to continue to see the person not the condition, how to overcome communication barriers, how to connect with your loved one, and understanding the benefits of contact with nature and the outdoors.

The events are vital, as they also allow carers to connect with other people in a similar situation to themselves.

“Essential if you are caring for somebody with dementia”

“This is something everyone living with a relative with dementia should attend”

“…in 9 years it’s the best place I’ve had training”

Through fundraising we are able to offer these events for free, making them accessible to as many people as possible. We are currently running events in Essex, but have previously, and will continue, to run events across the UK.

So far, we have benefitted nearly 500 people with these free events, in just 2 years. The demand for these events is high, and it is our desire to continue to run these free events for those who really need the support.

• Last year 96% have a more positive understanding of dementia
• In year one 98% have a better understanding of how to communicate with someone living with dementia
• And last year 82% have the confidence to go outdoors and try new things.

Many carers told us that they went away from the seminar feeling much more positive with their situation:

“I realised there’s a life after dementia”

“It gave me hope that I can make something positive about a challenging situation”

“Helps you realise you are not on your own”

None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for people like you going above and beyond to support us. Whether it’s doing something challenging like running a marathon, or climbing the 3 peaks, or a community event like a cake sale, BBQ, or a quiz, car boot sale, coffee morning, or sponsored head shave, – every £1 makes a difference to the lives of people living with dementia. And remember, you do not have to organise a large fundraising event. You could simply sell unwanted items online from the comfort of your living room or volunteer your time to iron shirts or mow a lawn.

Whatever you plan, we’ll be with you!  We can help you with materials, ideas and lots of ways to make the most of your fundraising. Please get in touch so we can give you all the support you need to smash your fundraising targets!

On behalf of everyone at Dementia Adventure – thank you for your support!