A group of employees from Marlow-based Cobham Communications & Connectivity rolled up their sleeves to tend to the garden at local care home, Sir Aubrey Ward House, during Dementia Action Week.

11 volunteers from the leading global Aerospace, Defence and Space company that employs around 10,000 people worldwide, with 400 in Marlow alone, joined members of the team at Sir Aubrey Ward House, run by local care provider and charity, The Fremantle Trust, for an afternoon of work in the garden to ensure the space is dementia friendly for residents who can enjoy time relaxing there.

Dementia Action Week is an annual initiative run by The Alzheimer’s Society which aims to unite individuals, workplaces and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia.

The garden project, in conjunction with Cobham Communications & Connectivity, provided an opportunity for community collaboration, as time was spent painting raised flower beds in vibrant colours, power washing the paved walkways and cleaning furniture.

The outdoor space at Sir Aubrey Ward House is well-used by residents as a place to stroll, chat or simply sit quietly and reflect. Dementia friendly gardens are created to stimulate the senses, so residents can listen to birdsong, enjoy the colourful visual display of flowers and feel the warmth of the afternoon sun. As well maintained spaces, they offer a sense of freedom and independence, which is vital for wellbeing.

Commenting on the garden restoration project, Jill Conroy, dementia lead at The Fremantle Trust, said:

We are delighted to have formed a relationship with Cobham Aerospace, who were keen to get involved with improving our garden space at Sir Aubrey Ward House.

Dementia Action Week has a focus on communities this year, so it’s brilliant that the team of volunteers were so keen to play their part in improving the lives of people we support, by giving their time so generously.

Becky Radcliffe from Cobham Aerospace added:

Thank you for making Cobham so welcome yesterday at Sir Aubrey Ward House.

We had a thoroughly lovely afternoon with everyone. It is great to give back to the local community and improve the lives of others, which is what we are trying to do within our volunteering group, the Cobham Community Heroes.

Thank you also for the food and drink laid on, which was above and beyond. I was so pleased with the results of our hard work yesterday afternoon, the garden looked so lovely and I really hope you win the garden award this year!