Big Green Picnic - Supporting People Living with Dementia
Hosted at The Arc in Chippenham on this summer, the event brought together people living with dementia, their loved ones and the wider community for a relaxed afternoon of friendship, conversation and engaging activities. Designed to reduce social isolation and encourage meaningful social connections, the picnic demonstrated how simple moments spent together can make a real difference to people's wellbeing.
Guests enjoyed a range of dementia-friendly activities including bingo, storytelling, sensory experiences and a popular "Create Your Own Bouquet" flower bar. Refreshments were served throughout the afternoon, while a children's play area helped create a welcoming, intergenerational atmosphere where families of all ages could enjoy quality time together.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing conversations naturally develop between generations, with Clients, family members, Carers and local residents sharing stories, laughter and new friendships. The event reflected the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities where people feel valued, included and connected.
Caroline Evans, Operations Manager at Right at Home Central Wiltshire, said:
"The Big Green Picnic was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest moments can have the biggest impact. Seeing our Clients, their families, Carers and members of the community chatting, laughing and enjoying activities together was incredibly heartwarming. Creating opportunities for people to connect, feel included and make new memories is at the heart of everything we do, and we're proud to support people living with dementia to continue enjoying meaningful experiences within their local community."
The event formed part of Dementia Adventure's annual Big Green Picnic campaign, which encourages communities across the UK to help people living with dementia experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of spending time outdoors.
Blanca Ho, Marketing Manager at Right at Home Central Wiltshire, added:
"We'd like to thank everyone who came along and helped make the day such a success. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and to watch families spending quality time together in such a relaxed and welcoming environment. Events like these remind us how important community connection is, and we're already looking forward to creating more opportunities that bring people together in the future."
Right at Home Central Wiltshire would also like to thank everyone who supported the planning and delivery of the event, as well as Dementia Adventure for leading this fantastic nationwide initiative.
The Big Green Picnic is one of many community events organised by Right at Home Central Wiltshire to help people live well at home, stay connected and continue enjoying meaningful lives within their local communities.
