A NEW dementia-friendly garden is helping to grow new friendships and bridge the generation gap.

Mill View Care Home in Bolton has transformed its outdoor space for residents and the community alike thanks to a £42,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The new grounds were created with the needs of its residents in mind as well as community groups, and of course the families of those being cared for in the home.

Andrea Hill, a regional manager for Advinia Healthcare Ltd which runs the care home, said: "We have a greenhouse, which is accessible to everyone including those who are in wheelchairs, and there is a table in there.

"We have patio doors on the cafe which opens on to decking. The idea is to let organisations know we have this and they can use it. Before the area was transformed we had a few rough paths, but now we have space for residents and community groups to use."

Already nursery children have visited residents and so impressed where they with the outdoor space and talking to the older generation they will be coming back once a month.

"The residents enjoy the visits and the children go back delighted as well, " said Andrea," I want primary school pupils and college students also to visit."

She hopes local organisations which can support residents, such as dementia groups will also get on board.

And the garden has already proved a growing hit with residents, many who are getting out and about more than before and taking part in their own gardening projects.

"Some have limited mobility, but they are going out to the greenhouse and the smallest movement is benefitting them, for example helping their arthritis.

"We now have paths leading through the garden."

The new outdoor area also provides a lovely environment for families to spend time with members being cared for.

"It provides some privacy for them to talk, " said Andrea, who added the garden had been supported by businesses including Heaton Fold Garden Centre B&Q and Sainsbury's.

She added: "The ultimate aim to get more community groups involved, we now have the space and facilities and they can come at the weekend and evenings."

Any groups wishing to work with the care home should email salesnorthwest@advinia.com.