A day centre, which provides support to people living with Dementia, hosted a charity night to raise funds for a sensory garden.
Etherstone Day Centre in Leigh were approached by co-owner of Ginspirations, Hani Fashou, last year to create a gin flavour with all proceeds going directly back to the day centre.
And due to the success of the gin, Dave Hashou, also of Ginspirations, approached the day centre with the idea of hosting a charity night in aid of Dementia.
The event, Forget Me Not, which showcased live DJ’s, Sax, and a fire show, took place on April 6 at Rendezvous Restaurant and Bar, and was hailed a huge success raising more than £500 for the sensory garden.
Helen Mannion, of Etherstone Day Centre said: “A very busy and fab night, with over £550 raised.
“Thanks to Dave Fashhou and Tony Lewis, Robbie Williams tribute, this will go a long way towards our sensory garden goal and most importantly our intentions of raising awareness of the dementia condition.
“Etherstone is a day centre in Leigh that supports older people with dementia and critical care needs.
“We give much needed respite to families and emotional and practical support along their difficult carer journey.
“We provide an inclusive homely, person-centred environment for our customers focusing on who they once were, who they are now and who they still want to be.
“We identify and support people to achieve their goals, be part of their community, feel valued and live a fulfilled life, providing daily activities based on our customers preferences, with cognitive and physical wellbeing in mind.
“We are due to have some renovations to the building this year which will update and improve the building making it dementia friendly.
“The funding however doesn't extend to the garden area which although is a lovely green open space with established trees and shade and an abundance of wildlife it is not a suitable space for those with dementia.
“Mobility issues and those lacking in spatial awareness, we want to work with the qualities of the garden and create a sensory space.
“Creating different sounds and smells and visual stimulation, even out the flooring and create seating areas and walkways.
“This type of sensory stimulation and having a relaxing outdoor space is a really important contribution to what we offer our customers.
“It encourages the brain and emotional wellness to react in a way that cannot easily be replicated.
“When a customer enjoys their day with us and has an emotionally and cognitively stimulating day.
“Despite the fact it is often not remembered, the emotional impact of how they feel remains with them for significantly longer than the memory.
“In addition to the profits from Etherstone's apple and blackberry gin, created for us by Hani Fashhou and Ginspiration, Dave Fashhou approached me with an additional way to use his connections and skills as a DJ to add to the growing pot of funding for the sensory garden at Etherstone and of course we were thrilled.
“We have built lovely friendships with Dave and Hani and their family.
“We know that they appreciate how Etherstone makes a difference, but we can't express how much we appreciate these wonderful gestures, it will enhance the live of so many people at our centre.
“Their input has increased our ability to raise awareness of Dementia by leaps and bounds and also by helping to spotlight our day service and the amazing things we achieve; it will encourage other families to use the supportive services that are available.
“Not only do events like this raise the money for our centre but for our customers to be part of an amazing project.
“It also provides a means for Etherstone to show case what we do best and is invaluable to raising awareness of the dementia condition and reducing the stigma attached to it.”
For more information on the centre go to: https://bit.ly/3Wd1sQy
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