Careys creates new dementia garden at Kettering Hospital

The effects of dementia

Dementia is associated with the ongoing decline of brain functioning. It produces a range of negative, life-altering symptoms, such as memory loss and declining mental sharpness. Today, an estimated 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia. That number is predicted to rise to 1 million by 2021 and 2 million by 2051. It is important that patients who suffer from this mentally debilitating illness have a safe haven where they can spend some time outdoors.

Supporting Kettering Hospital’s Forget-Me-Not campaign

We first became aware of this initiative in 2017. At that time, a member of the Careys Civil Engineering team, working on our Graven Hill residential project, noticed an advertisement in his local paper about Kettering Hospital’s Forget-Me-Not campaign to raise money for the new garden.

It has turned out to be a very successful appeal, raising more than £27,000 from generous donations from various companies and individuals to help bring this garden to life.

Creating a welcoming new garden

Our contribution to the Forget-Me-Not project was a joint effort. Careys Civil Engineering coordinated the build and demolition works of the project, with vital support from fellow Carey Group company, BDL Dry Lining and aided by local firm SJP Builders.

Our scope of works on this worthy project included installing a water feature, carrying out external rendering on the walls and installing a temporary external door.

This new garden has already begun to provide a pleasing communal area, where patients can pass the time outdoors. They can enjoy a range of features, such as a seaside-themed mural, musical equipment and a lighthouse. Jayne Chambers, Kettering Hospital’s Cancer Services Manager who served as the organiser for the Forget-Me-Not dementia garden appeal, expressed her gratitude to the team. She commented:

To read more about our charitable projects, please click here.