WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018 7
SPONSORED BY
Community Group of the Year
Winner Sidmouth Street Day Club
This welcoming day club for people living with dementia is housed in the Alzheimer’s Support
office in Sidmouth Street, Devizes and has its own award-winning walled garden. People with
dementia often lose confidence and social skills as cognitive ability declines, leading to isolation
and loneliness. Staff and volunteers provide a lively, stimulating and friendly environment
where up to eight members each day are supported. Activities are tailored to people’s interests
and experiences, and while members are encouraged to join in group activities, everyone is
welcome to ‘do their own thing’. Young people are encouraged to visit the club, which has
forged links with St Joseph’s Pre-School, a local childminder and Southbroom Infants’ School.
Second place Splash Wiltshire
Splash Wiltshire provides free, highly-structured out-of-school activities for vulnerable young
people at risk of social exclusion. School holidays can be difficult times, but attending a Splash
activity gives young people something to look forward to. Activities run with 12 young people
and four adults, which enables young people who might otherwise fall under the radar of larger
groups to shine. In 2016/2017, Splash delivered 97 activity days for 331 young people.
(Joint) Third place Engage
Since 2011, Engage has been making a significant impact on the emotional wellbeing of older
adult patients at Salisbury District Hospital who feel stressed and anxious. Funded by Salisbury
District Hospital’s Stars Appeal, trained volunteers support patients and alleviate boredom
through patient-led conversations; discussion groups; memory games and puzzles.
(Joint) Third place Richard Jefferies Museum
The Richard Jefferies Museum at Coate Water, near Swindon, celebrates the life of this author
through community events, including hosting an artist in residence for Swindon Open
Studios, affordable writing events, hosting Swindon Poetry Festival and children’s events. One
nomination praised the leadership of Mike Pringle, Hilda Sheehan and the amazing volunteers.
People with
dementia often lose
confidence and social
skills as cognitive
ability declines,
leading to isolation
and loneliness