Leeds volunteers mark dementia awareness week

Harry Carr from North Shields branch.

Volunteers from Leeds Building Society’s North East branches marked Dementia Awareness Week by restoring a sensory garden at a day centre for people living with Alzheimer's.

The tasks for the 25 volunteers, at the Princess of Wales Centre in Sunderland, included clearing flower beds, moving top soil and replanting shrubs.       

The team were taking advantage of Leeds Building Society’s volunteering scheme, which allows all colleagues a day’s paid leave each year to help a good cause of their choice in the community.

The initiative was organised by Chris Storey, from the Society’s South Shields branch, who said: “It was strenuous but rewarding, especially when you could see the completed work.”

Julie Swan, from the Alzhiemer’s Society, said: “The volunteers have brought the flower beds back to life, and enabled our day centre members to plant flowers and vegetables.

“Gardening helps stimulate memories for those with dementia symptoms and helps them reminisce.”