Cupcake day raises money for dementia garden

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT) staff on Budlake Ward at Exeter Community Hospital recently held a cupcake day tea party for patients and visitors, to raise money towards a dementia garden at the hospital.

All cakes were handmade by the hospital’s healthcare assistants, and the dayroom was decorated with homemade bunting made by healthcare assistant, Anne Brice.

The afternoon raised £80 through donations from staff and visitors.

Cathy Varetto, Budlake Ward matron at Exeter Community Hospital, said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to make it a really lovely afternoon for staff, patients and visitors.

“The money raised will help towards us creating a dementia garden which will allow patients to come and go as they please, without the need for supervision. It will also provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable garden that will be used by many at the hospital.”

Dementia gardens provide peace and quiet in a relaxing space, which can help to ease agitation, stress, anxiety and pain. They provide fresh air and vitamin D from sunlight. They can help people to reminisce by talking about the garden and their past gardening experiences. They can also provide further healing through allowing a person with dementia to take part in familiar activities such as growing and picking flowers.

The ward staff and Exeter Community Hospital League of Friends are aiming to raise around £10,000 to create a dementia garden. If anyone would like to make a donation, they can contact the hospital’s League of Friends, via the hospital switchboard, on 01392 208333.