A SHOPPING outlet and charity supporting the elderly have joined forces to promote wellbeing for carers and people with dementia and Alzheimer's through gardening.

Age Connects North Wales Central and The Tweedmill shopping centre, on Llannerch Park near St Asaph, have launched the charity's communal garden and 'Perennials' project on Friday, June 14.

The launch was attended by members of the Age Connects Prestatyn Forum who discussed topical issues with the Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane, Rhyl mayor and Denbighshire County Council's older person's champion cllr Ellie Chard and St Asaph City councillor Peter Morton.

Rhyl Journal:

Tweedmill owner Russell Booth with Older People's Champion cllr Ellie Chard, Age Connects Forum co-ordinator Abbe Williams, Perennials volunteer Danny Leatham, Helen Morton, Perennials project co-ordinator Isa Lamb, Perennials gardener Alun Coppack, MP Chris Ruane and Tweedmill director Lisa Johns

Mr Ruane said: "Two hours in the garden can improve your wellbeing. This is a great opportunity for volunteering and intergenerational work bringing communities together, what an innovative project."

The project, which is also supported by Denbighshire County Council, is accessible to those who find themselves in a caring role together with the person they care for; as they can often find themselves feeling disengaged from their community, isolated or lonely.

Budding gardeners were also joined by pupils of Ysgol Tir Morfa in Rhyl, who helped construct the garden and unveiled the ‘bird arbour’ they had made from recycled materials and their plans to assist with the further development of a stroll garden on the land as part of 'Perennials'.

‘Perennials’ engages carers in gardening tasks in a therapeutic way, without the responsibility of looking after a garden.

Rhyl Journal:

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane with cllr Ellie Chard

Cllr Chard said “The garden is an inspirational place for use in the community especially being dementia friendly and it was great meeting everyone at the event.”

For further information on Perennials and how to access the project please contact project coordinator Isa Lamb on 03002345007 or by email on isa.lamb@acnwc.org. Alternatively, pop into the Age Connects office on 15 Vale Street in Denbigh.