Dobbies gardening workshops in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK

Dobbies is highlighting the benefits of garden living for brain health and raising vital funds to assist the research for a cure for dementia through this free-to-attend workshop.

A great activity to highlight for Dementia Action Week, gardening is beneficial for brain health. Physical activity, learning new skills and keeping connected with others are just some of the activities that can help reduce the risk of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign aims to educate people about the steps people can take to look after their brains and help reduce the risk of dementia. The focus is on three simple rules; love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected.

“Our free Grow How demonstration is in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, a fantastic charity raising funds to find a cure for dementia. We’d encourage all attendees to donate, if they can, to this important cause,” said Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton.

Taking place in Dobbies stores on the 3rd and 7th of May customers of all ages and gardening abilities, the workshops provide an opportunity to learn something new or finesse established gardening skills. The ‘Grow How’ demonstrations are flexible, fun and interactive, taking around 15 minutes. Themed, ‘Love your lawn’, the May demonstrations will focus on lawn care, repairing a lawn with grass plugs, seeding grass, lawn feed and useful tools.

Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that Alzheimer’s Research UK will become part of Dobbies’ Grow How sessions during Dementia Action Week. As well as getting the chance to learn how to make the most of their gardens this spring, people can find out how to show their brains some love and help reduce their risk of dementia. Research shows that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors we can influence. But despite this, only a third of people in the UK realise it is possible to reduce their risk. We’re really proud to be working with Dobbies to raise much-needed awareness of the actions people can take for their brain health, while also raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.”