To facilitate access to the countryside in the form of UK Vineyard visits for those living with dementia and their carers.
What?
The initiative aims to take small groups of those living with dementia and their carers on day excursions to Vineyards around the UK. Initially, the scheme will commence in the area of the South West (predominantly Devon) and will run on prearranged days. Groups will be led by trained support and will encompass tours of the vineyard and information on the English Wine Industry – there will also be the chance to taste the wines of the region.
Why?
Recent published research (supported evidence) highlights the positive effects of regular interaction with nature and other activities focusing on interaction with the environment for those living with Dementia. However, there is a significant lack of focused opportunities in and around the UK for those to access such environments on a regular basis (including financial restrictions, limited support and lack of key public/private initiatives). With the increasing number of Vineyards in the UK opening to the public there is an opportunity to provide interesting and engaging natural environment encounters easily accessible to the rapidly growing number of the public living with dementia in one form or another.
How?
The initiative will be funded by the business arm of the organization – West Country Wine Tours which will implement daily wine tours of the South West Region. A fixed donation per paying customer will support the day trips run by Vines & Minds – we aim to work with more vineyards in reducing entrance costs for Vines & Minds Tours and to work with the wine industry in highlighting the benefits of spending time in the areas of vine cultivation and to spend more time exploring the UK countryside.
The Future?
We would like to provide training and support for Vineyards around the UK in catering for those living with Dementia and introducing workshops and training seminars to allow more vineyards in the UK to be part of the Vines & Minds initiative. We will provide each vineyard who takes the Vines & Minds training with an official registered stamp to highlight they are able to work with said demographic. We would like the Wine Industry to become more vocal about the areas that produce vines and the benefits of spending time in the organic/natural environment that allows the production of some of the worlds best wine.
Note – Whilst not fully supported, recent research has also highlighted the potential benefits of moderate wine consumption in decelerating the effects of dementia.