Arts-based reminiscence workshops
Join us this summer for a series of engaging dementia-friendly workshops at Kew Gardens.
Dates
The 2024 programme is made up of seven weekly sessions:
Thursday 1 August
Thursday 8 August
Thursday 22 August
Thursday 29 August
Thursday 5 September
Thursday 13 September
Time
1pm to 3pm
Location
Kew Gardens
Our reminiscence programme is designed to help people with dementia from diverse backgrounds, and their loved ones, explore memories, get creative, and connect with nature.
Led by an experienced artist and facilitator, each session will explore a different aspect of Kew from our Gardens to our Galleries. We’ll visit these areas together before heading to one of our amazing Glasshouses. Everyone will then have the chance to make beautiful artwork inspired by nature and their own memories and experiences.
Sessions will be led by an experienced artist and supported by our team of trained volunteers.
Participants will have a say in the theme of each session, and we will tailor the programme to suit the group’s, backgrounds, memories, and interests.
The programme is free and is open to people living with dementia and their supporting family, friends, and key workers. We particularly welcome participants from minority ethnic backgrounds and participants who have not visited Kew before.
To register your interest please email discovery@kew.org or call 07341114533.
Quotes from 2023 participants
“Kew has opened me up to lots of new places. The plants remind me of home.”
“I’m enjoying it a lot! I’m enjoying it physically, I’m enjoying it spiritually.”
“Kew Gardens put on a very well put together programme for our clients. The volunteers showed the clients patience and kindness, which meant a lot to them.”
Accessibility
The programme is primarily designed for people living with early to mid-stage dementia. We recommend that participants take part with a friend, family member, or key worker to support them and share in the experience.
Sessions will be based in the Davies Exploration House which is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Victoria Gate entrance. We will also explore nearby areas of the Gardens. Participants can borrow wheelchairs from any of Kew’s gates on a first come first served basis and can hire mobility scooters in advance. Please note that while volunteers will be supporting the session, we cannot provide staff or volunteers to push wheelchair users.
If you have any questions related to accessibility of the programme, please contact discovery@kew.org.
