'Social farming for the brain' is a new dementia support group that meets weekly on Doon Social Farm in Co. Limerick.

A collaboration between the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) and Doon Social Farm in Doon, the initiative is aimed at people living with dementia who still enjoy activities, especially outdoors such as gardening or farming, according to Marian Clarke, farm manager.

Doon social Farm is a certified organic farm, social enterprise and charity.

"Every Tuesday between 11:00am and 1:00pm the group gets together to have a cup of tea before setting out on the farm.

Activities

"Activities include cleaning vegetables for the shops; putting labels on bags or egg boxes; cleaning the goat shed; or even just walking around the wetlands.

"Bianca Barry and Aoife Nolan, the two facilitators, throw in a bit of nature, art, music, and of course, there is plenty of chat and laughs," the farm manager told Agriland.

"Social farming for the brain is a practical, community-based support that helps people with young-onset and early-stage dementia stay active, connected and involved in the things that matter to them," said Sean Donal O'Shea, dementia advisor, Limerick city and county.

The placements continue as long as the individuals are able to participate and benefit from them to improve their quality of life, he said.

"The initiative is about person-centred support and living well after diagnosis; helping people maintain connection, confidence, meaningful activity and involvement in their community," he said.

"A dementia diagnosis can be isolating and one of the questions people often ask is: 'What can I do now?' 'Social farming for the brain' offers a practical response," O'Shea added.

"It gives people an opportunity to stay active, spend time outdoors, take part in meaningful activities, and connect with people who understand their experience."

As farm manager, Clarke said she enjoys seeing Doon Social Farm come alive with all the diverse groups that participate in the programme.

"The farming for the brain group thrive in the outdoor world of nature.

"Farming gives them meaningful activities that contribute to a healthy food system that cares for nature, and best of all, they get on and have a laugh with everyone," she said.

"We are delighted to be collaborating with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to make this experience possible for people living with dementia in our community.

"Our mission at Doon is to provide farm-based programmes and activities for communities to foster wellness and connection in the healing embrace of nature," the farm manager said.

The farm operates independently of the Social Farming Ireland network.

Doon Social Farm was started in 2019 by Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS) CLG, a charity that set out to reduce rural isolation through a "befriending service".

"BRS operates in north Cork and east Limerick - the Ballyhoura region - and has grown since it started in 2010.

"When it decided to start a social farm, the Sisters of Mercy in Doon offered the convent, the school and the farm," said Clarke.

Dementia

There are 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, with 30 people being diagnosed every day, or 11,000 every year.

More than 4,000 people living with dementia in Ireland are under the age of 65.

About 63% of people with dementia live at home in the community rather than in residential care, and the number of people with dementia is expected to more than double to over 150,000 by 2045 as the population ages, according to the ASI.

Much positive feedback is received from the group's members visiting Doon Social Farm:

"Being outdoors, getting involved in the activities and spending time with people who understand what you're going through makes a real difference," one of the members told Agriland.

"Having somewhere you feel comfortable and welcome is so important. I always leave the farm in great form."

There are still places available on the programme, which is free of charge. For further details, contact the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, or Doon Social Farm.