A new sensory garden opened at Ward Park in Bangor earlier this year after a lengthy consultation process with charities, community groups, individuals and their families, as to how it could appeal to, and be used by, as many groups of people as possible.

In late 2024, Ards and North Down Borough Council approached Dementia NI members in Bangor to provide feedback and guidance as to how its planned dementia-friendly garden should be designed. Council representatives and the garden designers visited the organisation’s Bangor group and discussed possible layouts, materials, seating styles and more, with samples to review and the opportunity for input and feedback.

The Dementia NI members, all of whom are living with a diagnosis of dementia, provided vital intel to the process, heavily influencing the design of the garden and resulting in a well-rounded and holistic space providing a treat for all the senses in a safe and enclosed garden environment.

Whether from the pathway, which Dementia NI members stipulated should be a consistent size, shape and colour and on a loop, to the comfortable and well-spaced-out seating throughout the garden, the feedback and first-hand experiences were invaluable to the designers and the Council as the designs took shape.

The members of Dementia NI suggested the planting should have attributes that will be evident throughout the year, whether shape, size, texture or scent, to allow for any visitors who may be neurodivergent, hard of hearing, partially sighted or other issues to appreciate and benefit from the carefully considered trees, shrubs and plants.

The introduction of a water feature was also a popular suggestion among Dementia NI members, allowing for a calming element with the flow of water, it also provides a fun place for children – of all ages – to play on sunnier days.

Rodney James, a member of Dementia NI from Comber, and part of the joint Bangor-Newtownards group, officially cut the ribbon and opened the garden at a special event in August, while Raymond Crawford, another Dementia NI member, from Millisle, was interviewed by BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner in October about the organisation’s involvement in the consultation process.

Dementia NI is a local charity working to drive positive change for those living with a diagnosis of dementia throughout Northern Ireland. The charity operates 16 Empowerment Groups across all the Health Trust areas, providing vital peer support, information and signposting for its members. For more information on its life changing work, visit www.dementiani.org